Home / Health / Pregnant Mom & Cancer Survivor Runs Philly 8K
Pregnant Mom & Cancer Survivor Runs Philly 8K
22 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A pregnant Villanova field hockey coach is running the Philadelphia 8K.
- She is a cancer survivor who underwent thyroid surgery and lymph node removal.
- Kisha is raising money for cancer research and aims for a 9-minute mile pace.
Karlie Kisha, a former Olympian and Villanova field hockey coach, is participating in the Philadelphia Marathon weekend's 8K race while seven months pregnant. Her participation marks a significant personal victory, as she has successfully battled thyroid cancer that required surgery and affected her lymph nodes. Kisha views this challenge as less daunting than her past health struggles.
Despite her cancer diagnosis, Kisha was cleared to compete in the Olympics just before the team's departure, showcasing her exceptional fitness. She competed internationally just two weeks after surgery, a testament to her resilience. Now, she is running to support cancer research, inspired by her own positive treatment experience.
Kisha joins the American Association for Cancer Research team, which aims to raise $8,000 for ongoing research. Her goal is to inspire hope and emphasize the life-saving impact of cancer research, as she prepares to welcome her first child in January.
