Popsugar Fitness Healthy Living Woman Finishes NYC Marathon in Dark After Spinal Surgery This Woman's Amazing Finish of the NYC Marathon Proves That Anything Is Possible November 2, 2015 by Michele Foley View On One Page Photo 1 of 2 ADVERTISEMENT () Start Slideshow "I am that woman in this videoand I want to say 'Thank you!' for all the support I received whilst completing this marathon. On the 26 September 2015, my world changed as I underwent spinal surgery. Coming out of surgery has been life changing. Prior, I had been in hospital for debilitating nerve pain. After surgery I stopped my pain medication as I no longer required it. I experienced opiate withdrawals in which I, a normally incredibly positive person, suffered suicidal thoughts. I had to be watched and cared for by my 80-year-old mother during the day and my boyfriend at night. There was total blackness in my mind during that time and when there were glimmers of me coming through the withdrawals, I focussed on the marathon entry I already had. Completing a marathon has been on my bucket list for some time and I wanted that to be the greatest marathon - New York. I had permission from all the health agencies that have been there throughout my recovery. I know it wasn't a record, but I would never do that even without surgery. Life is about making the most of what you've got, and 'I got this!' I wanted my students to realize there is no reason not to try. Thank you to all who cheered me, and all the other participants on this course. Those cheers and words of encouragement are more helpful than you might realise. People of Brooklyn, your energy helped propel me further! A special 'thank you from the bottom of my heart' goes to Milly and Mr. Marbles and Ana and Percy. Without your support towards the final stretch, when I was facing feelings of isolation, I couldn't have done it. I truly believe you are angels who came at a time when I most needed angels. To the organisers and the volunteers, thank you for everything throughout the day and being there to support me at the end. Finally, to my boyfriend who was there right at the end and who waited over four hours at the end after running his own race, thank you for believing in me." --Saskia #tcsnycmarathon A video posted by TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) on Nov 2, 2015 at 12:31pm PST Share This Link Copy ← Use Arrow Keys → 1 Previous Next Start Slideshow Healthy LivingViral VideosRunningMarathon