# Female cancer survivor sends strong message after running topless during NYC marathon

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/female-cancer-survivor-sends-strong-message-after-running-topless-during-nyc-marathon/
- Published: 2026-11-04T15:50:54+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T08:11:32+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/04/lifestyle/female-cancer-survivor-sends-strong-message-after-running-topless-during-nyc-marathon/
- Topics: Health, Medicine, World

## Key points

- Lauren Spiezia ran the NYC Marathon topless after breast cancer treatment.
- She said she wanted to promote hope and body positivity.
- Her team raised $50,000 for breast cancer research.

## Summary

Lauren Spiezia, a 33-year-old breast cancer survivor from New Jersey, ran the New York City Marathon topless to raise awareness and encourage people facing treatment. She said her mastectomy scars had once made her feel insecure, and she wanted to turn them into a symbol of strength and help others feel less alone.

Diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at 31 after two doctors dismissed her concerns because of her age, Spiezia underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, as well as removal of her fallopian tubes because of a cancer gene mutation. She said severed chest nerves meant running without a sports bra was not painful, and her team raised $50,000 for breast cancer research. Reactions to the run were mixed, while her experience also prompted her to start a skincare brand.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.