Donna Deegan is a veteran news anchor and three time breast cancer survivor. Because of cancer she is also a published author with two books that chronicle her emotions and experiences through diagnosis, fear, chemo, support, surviving cancer and ultimately the spiritual growth brought about by the extraordinary love she witnessed from building a national marathon.

A passionate runner for more than two decades Donna founded 26.2 with Donna – the national marathon to finish breast cancer. This is the only marathon dedicating 100 percent of its proceeds to fund breast cancer care and critical bench top research. The research is motivated and directed by her doctor and close friend, renowned Mayo Clinic oncologist, Dr. Edith Perez. Within five years of meeting, this powerhouse duo began saving lives.

Donna’s two books (written within five years of each other) help us understand the transformation of the marathon, its meaning and why Donna is more confident than ever that breast cancer will be finished through an effort of love and hope -vs- fear and fight.

The first book details Donna’s second bout with cancer and her on-line journal. It's called "The Good Fight". The book follows not only her early fear based journey but the stories of the many survivors and supporters who helped her along the path. Here's an excerpt:

"All I wanted to do was escape my body. Be somewhere, anywhere else. The nurse gave me an injection. Radioactive glucose. If I had cancer, I was told, it would beam like a light bulb when they scanned my body. I was dressed in a white terry cloth robe, and placed in a long tube-like machine up to my forehead. The scan started at my feet and worked slowly upward. It took almost an hour. I can't honestly tell you what my thoughts were during that time. I was just surviving. Looking at the scan would have been incredibly fascinating if it wasn't my own body. A 3-D spinning me, rotating on the screen. Completely clear. With the exception of one big beaming spot well above my right breast."

After publication of the first book and only months from realizing her dream of launching the nation's first national breast cancer marathon she was diagnosed with the disease for the third time. While still committed to the race, Donna began searching for answers beyond the conventional. As she opened one door, it led to the next. What started as a quest for a cure became a physical and spiritual rebirth. In her second book “Through Rose Colored Glasses — A Marathon From fear to Love” Donna takes us along on her journey with great candor and humor. From the creation of a race that now draws thousands from all over the country and the world, to her very personal marathon from fear to love. This book is a must read for anyone who has ever struggled to overcome fear. Its simple yet powerful message contains the secret of life itself.

In its fifth year, the marathon draws 10,000 participants and it has raised more than $2 million for breast cancer research and care. Participants come from around the country and globe – all 50 states and several continents –run in the event, which has captivated the attention of northeast Florida, serving as both a celebration of survivorship and a poignant reminder of the lives claimed by breast cancer.

For more information, visit breastcancermarathon.com

Music credit: Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall, Coldplay