Richard Vincent took longer than he normally does to finish an AJC Peachtree Road Race on Thursday.
But he said that’s OK because he and his family made a pit stop en route to the finish line.
Running his 42nd race, Vincent, 77, and his family stopped at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital to see his wife, Anne. She’s currently battling a cancerous brain tumor. Richard knows all too well about that circumstance because he’s lived it. He’s been a cancer survivor of 10 years.
Doctors were able to surgically remove Richard’s cancer in his digestive system, but will have to take a different approach with Anne. They are currently exploring immunotherapy, a treatment that strengthens the immune system. His family has raised close to $20,000.
“She has an amazing attitude about it,” he said. “She understands the situation and is very positive.”
In earlier years, Vincent said he ran competitively, hoping to beat his best time. Now, the race is about spending Independence Day with family and friends, who came from Richmond, London and Portland, Oregon, to walk with him.
And that meant being there for his wife, who was there for him during his battle — which made the pit stop worth it, he said.
» RELATED: Results, photos and more from the AJC Peachtree Road Race
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