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NJ Father And Son In NYC Marathon To Outrun Cancer

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - When Sam Rausa of Middletown, N.J. was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, the prognosis wasn't good.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond On The Story

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"The chance of beating this thing, let's say for a period of about three years, probably was about 20 percent," said Sam.

He began to jog with his son Andrew -- a student at Brooklyn Law School.

"I think the biggest thing that stands out to me about my father is his positive outlook," Andrew told WCBS 880 reporter Marla Diamond.

This Sunday, Andrew, now 24, will run his first New York City Marathon with his dad, who has won six marathons since the cancer diagnosis.

"It's tough because the prospect of having to live life and face new challenges without my father is always there, but I think I would be remiss if I didn't take the lesson of perseverance from what he's talking about," said Andrew. "And that has been an inspiration to me to overcome short-term discomfort in order to have long-term gain."

"I suppose that while part of my body was spiraling out of control, I just wanted to prove that the rest of my body could withstand the physical ordeal," said Sam, who just learned that his cancer has returned.

He is resuming treatment after the marathon.

Have you heard any other inspiring stories connected to running? Share them in the comments section below!

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