Exemplary And Inspiring Mom Finishes 50 National Park Runs With Half Marathon In Denver's Rocky Mountain National Park

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 31, 2018) - Gil Schaenzle will cross the finish line completing her nine month long mission, at Denver's Rocky Mountain National Park this Friday, August 4 - the same national park that she and husband Fred used to take their daughter as a small child.  After losing her only child Anna Rose to NET (neuroendocrine cancer), Schaenzle decided she would cope with her life’s biggest challenge by following through on a plan that she and her daughter designed together and to run in 50 national parks across the U.S. to help raise awareness for one of the most misdiagnosed forms of cancer.  

Her story was shared today on:

NBC's Megyn Kelly TODAY show

Parade - Heroes & Helpers

Read more about Gil's journey in the latest issue of Dick's Sporting Goods Presents cover story for "Good Sports."

 

Gil's National Park runs have helped raise over $11,000 in donations for the Healing NET Foundation to bring education and awareness to medical providers, patients, and caregivers. She's had numerous opportunities along the way to create awareness in the general population and inspire NET patients, families and friends!  Thus far, Gil has accumulated 38,880 miles traveled, 327 miles on foot, visited 48 National Parks along with 11 National Monuments. There are only two parks to go:  Wednesday, August 1 at Gunnison National Park and the grand finale on Saturday, August 4 at Rocky Mountain National Park. Read Gil's chronicles of her journey here or sign up to join her at www.thehealingnet.org.

                         

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ABOUT GIL SCHAENZLE:
In her own words:  My name is Gilberta Schaenzle, but everyone calls me Gil.  I grew up on a large cattle and sheep ranch in South Dakota.  Aside from my first 17 years, most of my life has been spent in Colorado.  It was in Boulder, CO where I met my wonderful husband, Fred. We just had our 26th anniversary.  We live in a little mountain town in Colorado called Evergreen.

 
I was in Electrical Engineering until our beautiful daughter, Anna Rose was born in 1996.  It was then that I took on the most wonderful job in the world…Anna’s mom.  Anna was the whole package…intelligent, beautiful, and athletic.  She had a big heart and was generous.  I always felt humbled that God had chosen me to be her mom. 


In addition to being Anna’s mom, I was also team mom to various volleyball teams.  I love that many of the girls still call me Momma Gil. In addition to being a ‘momma’ I like to travel, cook, run, ski, hike, do photography and I make custom handmade books and social invitations.

Supporters and friends can join Gil on the trail by signing up at The Healing NET Foundation.  Read her blog National Park Run for Anna Rose and NET Cancer and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.  


ABOUT THE HEALING NET FOUNDATION:  
The Healing NET Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on providing NET educational resources and fostering collaboration among NET experts to improve patient care. The organization educates physicians and other healthcare professionals, patients and their caregivers, optimizing care for those with neuroendocrine tumors and cancers. 

To learn more, please visit www.thehealingnet.org and follow on social media below: