Breast Cancer Survivor Completes Donna Marathon

Sabeen Perwaiz runs 26.2 miles while undergoing treatment, honoring Donna Deegan's legacy.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:23am

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Sabeen Perwaiz, the president and CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, ran the Donna Marathon in Jacksonville, Florida while undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of breast cancer. Despite her diagnosis in 2024 and the cancer returning in 2025, Perwaiz was determined to complete the marathon, which is known as "The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer." She crossed the finish line in 6 hours, 40 minutes, and 38 seconds, surrounded by her running partners and a supportive team.

Why it matters

The Donna Marathon is a deeply personal event for many participants, as over 6% of registered runners have personally received a breast cancer diagnosis. Perwaiz's story highlights the resilience and determination of those facing cancer, and the importance of events that celebrate survivorship and raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

The details

Perwaiz initially planned to run the Donna Marathon in 2024, but her diagnosis of an aggressive, treatment-resistant form of breast cancer derailed those plans. However, she remained determined to complete the marathon, and in 2026, just two weeks after starting a new round of treatment, she ran the Donna 5K. Perwaiz then set her sights on the full 26.2-mile marathon, training with two running partners, Ashlea Edwards and Vanessa Acosta, and receiving support from her family and friends along the course.

  • Perwaiz was first diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2024.
  • The cancer returned in early 2025.
  • Perwaiz ran the Donna 5K in 2024, just two weeks after starting her first round of treatment.
  • Perwaiz completed the Donna Marathon on February 4, 2026.

The players

Sabeen Perwaiz

The president and CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, as well as the volunteer president of the Women's Giving Alliance and board chair of the National Council of Nonprofits. Perwaiz is a breast cancer survivor who completed the Donna Marathon while undergoing treatment.

Donna Deegan

The founder of the Donna Marathon and the current mayor of Jacksonville. Deegan overcame breast cancer three times, which inspired Perwaiz and gave her hope.

Ashlea Edwards

Perwaiz's training partner throughout her preparation for the Donna Marathon.

Vanessa Acosta

A physical therapist who decided to run the Donna Marathon alongside Perwaiz.

Fitz Koehler

The race emcee, who is herself a cancer survivor and author of "My Noisy Cancer Comeback." Koehler cheered for Perwaiz as she crossed the finish line.

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What they’re saying

“To run a race that carries her name feels deeply personal. It feels like honoring the women who came before me, the ones running alongside me, and the ones who will face this after us.”

— Sabeen Perwaiz (Substack)

“This is Sabeen. Sabeen is being treated for breast cancer right now. And she just ran a marathon!”

— Fitz Koehler, Race Emcee

What’s next

Perwaiz plans to continue her cancer treatment and remain active in her community work, while also looking forward to future Donna Marathon events.

The takeaway

Sabeen Perwaiz's story of perseverance and resilience in the face of breast cancer is an inspiration to all. Her determination to complete the Donna Marathon, a race that honors the fight against this disease, demonstrates the power of the human spirit and the importance of events that celebrate survivorship and raise awareness for the ongoing battle against cancer.