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Brain Surgery Survivor Tackles NYC Marathon
23 Oct
Summary
- Joe Amabile is running the NYC Marathon three months after brain surgery.
- A blueberry-sized glioma was successfully removed from his brain.
- He aims to focus on the marathon as a positive recovery goal.
Joe Amabile, known as Grocery Store Joe, is set to compete in the 50th anniversary TCS New York City Marathon on November 1, a remarkable feat accomplished only three months after undergoing brain surgery. Amabile had a blueberry-sized glioma, diagnosed in July, surgically removed in August, with doctors confirming they successfully excised the entire lesion.
He explained that committing to the marathon provided a vital positive objective post-surgery, allowing him to focus on controllable aspects of his recovery rather than solely on the procedure itself. This focus on a finish line has been instrumental in maintaining a positive mental state, which he believes is essential for an easier recovery.
Amabile, who has partnered with Northwestern Mutual for fundraising, resumed running shortly after his surgery. His oncologist cleared him to race, humorously noting he wouldn't run a marathon himself but Amabile should be fine. He reports feeling great, with minimal lingering fatigue. While he has run marathons before, including the NYC run last year, his training is now limited to two five-mile runs per week to avoid overexertion, ensuring he will be well-rested for the event.
