13 3月 A Marathon for All Those Fighting Breast Cancer
Today, we want to share the inspiring story of Andrew Mcfarlan, who has turned a deeply personal challenge into a mission to help others. Andrew is taking action in the fight against breast cancer, and we hope his story will inspire you to join us in supporting early detection and awareness initiatives.
A Mission for Breast Cancer Awareness – By Andrew
In February 2023, a member of my family went for a routine mammogram. The results seemed reassuring—everything appeared benign. Like so many of us, we trusted that there was nothing to worry about.
But as the months went by, subtle symptoms began to appear—itchiness, discomfort and changes in appearance. By the end of the year, the symptoms were too significant to ignore. In January 2024, they came across a breast cancer awareness ad on social media and decided to book another mammogram. That decision changed everything.
Further tests—a biopsy, PET-CT, and MRI—confirmed what we feared. On February 8th, 2024, our family was confronted with a life-altering diagnosis: stage 4 breast cancer.
Additional genetic testing revealed a hereditary risk factor, the BRCA2 gene mutation. Despite some family history of this gene, we hadn’t realized the importance of early and consistent monitoring. The news was devastating, but it also propelled us into action.
This family member, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has faced this journey with incredible strength and determination. To honour their fight and support others in similar situations, I’ve decided to take on a challenge of my own.
On the 20th of April 2025, I will run the Nagano Marathon in Japan to raise money for the Run for the Cure Foundation (RFTC Japan), which supports breast cancer awareness and early detection initiatives. My goal is to help spread awareness and ensure others don’t face the same delays in diagnosis that we have experienced.
Every step I take in this marathon will be for them—for their bravery, resilience and unwavering spirit. It will also be for the countless individuals and families fighting this disease and for the hope that together, we can make a difference.
Your support can save lives.
Donations to the Run for the Cure Foundation (RFTC Japan) go directly towards promoting awareness, improving early detection and providing support to those affected by breast cancer. No amount is too small—it all makes a difference.
Thank you for helping me honour my loved one and supporting a cause that means so much to us. Together, let’s run for the cure and run for hope
How You Can Help
Andrew is running for all of us, but he can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can be part of his mission:
Donate – Every contribution, big or small, directly supports breast cancer awareness and early detection programs.
Visit our donation page and contribute. When donating, please select the category:
“A Marathon for All Those Fighting Breast Cancer (On April 20, 2025, Andrew Will Run the Nagano Marathon to Support RFTC Japan)” to ensure your donation supports this mission.
Click here: https://rftcjapan.org/en/get-involved/donate/
Share – Help spread the word! The more people who understand the importance of early detection, the more lives we can save.
Run – While supporting our cause, consider incorporating some physical activity into your routine. Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply enjoying a jog in your neighborhood, running can be a personal way to honor those fighting breast cancer and boost your own health.
Let’s run for the cure.
Together, we can make a difference.
