Couple running to fight cancer

MULBERRY, Ind. (WLFI) - When Brian and Heidi Wallar want to unwind, they go for a run. The husband and wife team decided to combine their love of running with their desire to help people. 

Every day, Brian and Heidi Wallar, make time for at least a four-mile run. Both say it's a good form of stress relief and helps them stay active. Brian Wallar is a volunteer firefighter and works at Purdue in Physical Facilities. Heidi Wallar is Director of Nursing at Mulberry Health and Retirement Community.

"That's why we thought, 'why not take two passions, helping people which we do every day, and running which we do everyday, why not combine them and why not go for one of the biggest marathons possible'," said Heidi Wallar.

The Wallars are training to run in the New York City Marathon in November. But they are running with a purpose. Both are raising money for separate non-profit organizations that fund cancer research, prevention and treatment. The money they raise for the run can help people locally.

"It hits pretty close to home for me. They support a cause that hits close to home for me. My sister and my cousin both being breast cancer survivors, we understand the resources that it takes to get through something like this. And I wanted to support an organization that is there for people in need should they ever be faced with a breast cancer diagnosis," said Brian Wallar.

"I see the effects of cancer everyday. I see the financial effects of it every day as well as a person being treated for cancer. And it is very close to my heart, because I have been in healthcare for 15 years," said Heidi Wallar.

The Wallars said they will run the 26.2 mile marathon in New York with the motivation to run for those who can't, knowing they are raising money for people who need the support during their battle with cancer.

"We're well on our way to our fundraising goal, but we still have a long way to go," said Brian Wallar.

Brian Wallar is running for the non-profit group, The Pink Agenda. The group raises money for breast cancer care and research.

Donations can be made by visiting:  www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/brianwallar/2011ingnewyorkcitymarathon

Heidi Wallar is running for Team Continuum. It's a group that can provide financial support for people going through cancer treatment, by paying for household expenses including rent payments and grocery bills.

Donations can be made www.teamcontinuum.net .

You can type in Heidi Wallar's name where it lists "Donate to an Athlete."