Cancer survivor: ‘It’s not about outcome, it’s about attitude’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thousands plan to participate in this weekend’s Beach2Battleship Triathlon, and for many, it’s about much more than a race.

About 2,300 athletes from all over the world participate in the event. The event is meant to raise awareness on the importance of clinical research and trials.

Teresa Dunlap is a breast cancer survivor and clinical researcher. She said this event is another accomplishment to check off her bucket list.

“Just because you have a life-threatening disease or just because a doctor has told you something that’s not favorable, does not mean it’s over,” Dunlap said. “You get to determine how you live the rest of your life. So I take that attitude and I take it to the race. The race is just one more thing I’m going to accomplish.”

She said the experience taught her to take charge of her life. It’s her inspiration along with her son who has autism.

“I took kind of the same energy that I used to battle with cancer and also my son’s autism diagnosis, and I use that to fuel me really to complete 13.1 miles,” Dunlap said.

She hopes her role will encourage others to educate and advocate for themselves when they’re sick.

“You have to be in charge of your own healthcare,” Dunlap said. “Doctors, other people are very important to the process, but you are your own best advocate.”

All of the proceeds go to the Wilmington Family YMCA.