Unstoppable by Nature:
When an annual hospital visit revealed she had lymphoma, Alla Liberman was shocked but steadfast. Thanks to NewYork-Presbyterian and her indomitable spirit, she remains active while living with a serious illness—and now runs the TCS New York City Marathon to demonstrate that life is always full of possibility and potential.
“I have been living with cancer (lymphoma) for 10 years without sharing it publicly. Running is the sport that has been getting me through my illness, both physically and emotionally. On my 10-year anniversary of getting sick, I wanted to complete a challenge that would (a) show the world that you can be active and live a full life (whatever that means for you) even with cancer and (b) raise money to benefit people who have made that possible for me.”
Learning she had lymphoma inspired Alla to reflect on her life and tap deeply into her own willpower. “You need to believe you will live as long as you can as best as you can,” she states.
“The training process has been intense but fun. I run four times a week and do other physical exercises (strength, Pilates, yoga) five days a week. I have also been asking a lot of questions and seeking advice from other runners about proper nutrition and hydration.”
“Five years ago, I could not run more than two miles; three years ago, when I ran my first half marathon, I was in pain, could barely walk, and could not fathom running a full marathon. In July this year, I ran 14 miles as one of my training runs and was able to walk pain-free immediately after that. I’ve learned that combining mental strength, persistence, and focus enables people to achieve a lot, and that goes way beyond running.”
Alla decided to run the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon to honor the medical professionals who have cared for her for the past 10 years. “I have been receiving world-class care that enables me to live my life to the fullest. I’m eternally grateful to the hospital for that.”
For Alla, philanthropy is a guiding mindset: “I came to the United States as a refugee at the age of 16. I am very fortunate to be in a position to help others less fortunate than me and inspire others to do the same. To me, the life worth living is the life where I can make a positive impact on others. That’s true not just in my philanthropic work but also in my general outlook on life.”