Twenty-four years ago, Terry Smallin was in the middle of his treatment for lymphoma and carcinoma of the throat and tonsils with a three percent chance of survival. About two weeks ago, he completed an Amerithon run challenge of 3,521 miles, the same distance if he would have run across the United States.

“My goal was originally to run 2,019 miles,” said Smallin, “but when I completed that this summer, I extended my goal.”

Using an Amerithon virtual fitness tracker, which Smallin only wore during scheduled running time, he was able to log miles the same way as popular wrist band step trackers. The program provides additional support and features, but the real key according to Smallin is, “I am goal driven and goal oriented. I encourage anyone to set goals. It might be to quit smoking, or walk more, you can be in your early 20’s or 85. I don’t push, I listen to my body and my goal is to be 106 years old, one step at a time.”

Sharing a bit more about his background, Smallin said he grew up in a small town near Cooperstown, New York and always played as many sports as he could including; baseball, football, and track and field. “I played semi-pro football for the Giants, I was a college assistant swim coach, I participated in triathlons, Iron Man competitions, marathons, and then at 42 I was diagnosed with throat cancer. It was very rare for a non-tobacco user to have my particular cancer, but I proceeded with surgery and recommended treatments.”

Smallin further explained, “When it came time for radiation, the facility had two separate waiting areas; one for adults and the other for children. I always opted to sit with the kids. I just gravitated to them because they had much better, more positive outlook. We can learn a lot from them.”

Over the course of 27 radiation treatments, Smallin lost almost 50 pounds and had to be hospitalized for dehydration.

“This isn’t working,” he thought. “I have to make a change.”

Able to participate in clinical trials at Northwestern University’s program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, he received homeopathic and holistic treatments. As part of his terms, he worked part-time in their fitness center and four months later felt much better.

Now, age 66, he no longer participates in Iron Man challenges, but does continue to have fitness goals.

“The General Clinton Canoe Regatta is a 70 mile canoe event held at the end of May. For 2020, I am going to participate in the one-man kayak class and hope to finish this one day race. I will start training in January,” said Smallin.

Although sometimes when Smallin gets a sore throat, he has the thought, “Maybe it’s the cancer again,” but, he pushes it aside and hopes his lifestyle will prevent its return.

“Set goals,” he urges, “no matter what they are and take it one step at a time.”