NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsRunners Hope To Change Lives With Every Mile

Runners Hope To Change Lives With Every Mile

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In just five days runners and walkers will flood the streets of Nashville for the annual Country Music Marathon, some for a sport and some for a cause.

Dr. Mike Callaway at Heritage Medical Center said he walks for the lives that will be impacted.

"Walked 4 miles and we were very proud of it, and now it seems like nothing to walk 4 miles," said Callaway.

Callaway along with his colleagues are walking for a purpose with the thousands of runners in this weekend's Country Music Marathon.

Along the way, the group will be raising money for Gilda's Club, a cancer support group.

"Every year it seems to be another 20-30-40 people that get interested and get behind it," said Callaway.

Callaway also has an added bit of motivation; his sister has battled breast cancer.

He believes the efforts of organizations like Gilda's Club are key in keeping spirits high and saving lives.

"That's one of the big aspects my sisters' gone through - the love and support she's had I think has made a big difference in why she's doing so well today," said Callaway.

The group will also be remembering a lost loved one. Dr. Gail Addleston lost a tough battle with cancer a year and a half ago.

"We thought this was a way to take her memory and keep it going forth," said Callaway.

Addleston was the first to get co-workers involved with Gilda's club shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

"She started Gilda's Gang with just a few of her friends. I think there were 6 or 7 people their first time, and then it just grew every year," said Dana Strother with Heritage Medical Center.

Be sure and watch NewsChannel 5 for live coverage of the country music marathon from the starting line to the finish line. Our coverage begins at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.

For more information about Gilda's club and details about how you can donate.