Jason Noel’s life story is not just about running—it’s about resilience, perspective, and the profound power of staying in motion. As a two-time cancer survivor, Jason has transformed personal health challenges into stories for inspiration, community support and marathon finishes.
His journey began unexpectedly. While preparing for a new job and feeling perfectly healthy, Jason experienced a seizure at the airport—a moment that would change everything. Within one week, he underwent brain surgery, marking the beginning of an intense 16-month treatment journey that would test his physical and mental boundaries.
Fighting Cancer Through Movement
“They told me I wouldn’t walk out of the hospital,” Jason recalls. “I walked out in two days.”
This determination became the cornerstone of his recovery. Despite undergoing extensive treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy, Jason refused to remain stationary. He would walk six to eight miles daily around Zorinsky Lake in Omaha, Nebraska, turning each step into an act of defiance against his diagnosis.
His background as a former military member and intermittent runner provided a mental framework for approaching his health challenges. Jason understood that progress isn’t always about speed, but consistent forward movement.
Running as a Path to Healing
Remarkably, Jason’s connection to running deepened directly because of his cancer experiences. After his first cancer diagnosis—metastatic thyroid cancer—he began running again. When faced with the brain tumor diagnosis, running became more than a hobby; it became a lifeline.
While still in the hospital, Jason made a bold declaration of hope by signing up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Just months after being told he might not walk, he completed the race. This became a turning point, proving to himself and others that limitations are often just perceptions.
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Breaking Marathon Barriers
In 2023, Jason ran his first full marathon in Chicago, securing a bib through the American Brain Tumor Association. But he didn’t stop there. In 2024, within three months, he completed three marathons: Chicago again supporting the ABTA, then joining Team Gray Nation with the National Brain Tumor Society at the New York City Marathon and then the Disney Dopey Challenge.
“I’m hooked. I can’t stop,” Jason says with a smile. His next goal? A half Ironman triathlon. Jason will be running the 2024 Chicago Marathon again with the ABTA. Beyond the martahon, what is his next goal? A half Ironman triathlon.
More Than Just Miles: A Platform for Motivation
What sets Jason apart is how he uses his running journey. After each race, he shares reflective posts on social media, transforming his experiences into motivational stories. His posts have resonated so deeply that he’s been approached about writing a book.
“It’s not just an event,” Jason explains. “It’s an accomplishment, a self-reflection, something beyond just running.”
Family and Community Support
Jason’s children have become integral to his journey. His 15-year-old son even gave a presentation about brain cancer to his school, before going to Florida to support Jason and other Cancer suviors running the Disney Dopey Challenge. The family embraces a powerful mottos: “Nobody fights alone” “We can do hard things” and “In it to win it”.
By leaning on other athletes for accountability and drawing strength from his family, Jason continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations.
Perspective: The Greatest Reward
When asked about how cancer has changed his outlook, Jason is clear: everything looks different through a new lens. Time, connections, and small moments have become infinitely more precious.
“All it takes is one meaningful interaction,” he says. “One moment of connection can change everything.”
Looking Forward
As Jason prepares for his next challenge—a half Ironman—he continues to inspire others by proving that health challenges don’t define limits. They can be the catalyst for extraordinary journeys. His story is one of being a cancer survivor to marathon finisher. What is your story? How is it being written and told?
His message is simple yet powerful: Keep moving, stay connected, and never underestimate the power of perspective.