2 Wisconsin runners raise money to fight a friend’s cancer

ASHLAND, Wis. (Northern News Now) – Two Wisconsin women are taking part in the WhistleStop Half Marathon in Ashland on Saturday to raise money for cancer research.

Hope Bretting, Ashley Moore and Amanda Rossing are friends since childhood.

However, several years ago, Bretting was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the liver called cholangiocarcinoma.

“I can’t replace the support of my friends,” Bretting said.

Since then, their friendship has proven unbreakable.

“You have to be strong, and together we are stronger,” Rossing said.

In the midst of her struggle, Bretting asked her friends to run the WhistleStop Half Marathon in Ashland with her, to which they agreed without hesitation.

Moore and Rossing say they would do anything for Bretting, even running 13.1 miles.

“Yeah, the extra point counts,” Moore joked.

Two years ago, the three crossed the finish line hand in hand and raised more than $6,400 to support cancer research.

On Saturday, Moore and Rossing will do it again.

This year her goal is even bigger.

“So we said, ‘Why don’t we try 7,000?’ Within 24 hours we received more than $7,000,” Moore said.

They have currently raised more than $20,000.

Two friends with a mission: Run for Hope.

Bretting says she is grateful for her friends’ unwavering support.

She wants to wait for them at the finish line of the race.

Bretting is still undergoing treatment and is grateful for the community’s support along the way.

Her friends plan to wear green on Saturday and hope to “paint the path green” since it is the color to raise awareness for liver cancer.

They encourage everyone taking part in the race to join them and wear green.

To donate to the good cause, click here.

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