The ranching Boylan family has represented hard work, determination, and Montana grit for 5 generations, so when
Valerie Boylan was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, it was just another barrier to break through. Becca became
the primary caregiver during her mother’s treatment, clinging to her Montana values and emerging on the other side with
a new perspective on the precious nature of life, as well as an insight for anyone facing emotional pain and uncertainty:
eventually, everyone will struggle in the face of something bigger than themselves. 

The true and sudden possibility of death changes perspective instantly.
As her mother’s caregiver during her fight against AML, Becca was forced to balance
her own grieving with the task of showing up in the face of uncertainty every single day.
A diagnosis like AML is unique, placing those involved in an emotional purgatory, with the
very real possibility of death occurring in slow motion. Running became Becca’s outlet; she
found clarity and strength on the mountain trails behind the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Running through the 100 days of in-patient treatment and another
100 days of outpatient care, Becca found healing and emotional redemption
that she brought back to her mother’s hospital bed each night. When the cancer
had finally been beaten, Valerie and Becca returned home to the mountains
of the West, discovering that they brought back with them more than physical
scars, and that the battle was not yet done. The emotional toll and pain
stayed with them, and so did Becca’s relationship with running. 

To fight cancer is to hold the powerful dichotomy of love and loss in the same hand,
to experience grief and gratitude simultaneously. To be fully healed, these ideas
need to be conceptualized and understood by survivors and caregivers alike.
For Becca, running was the catalyst to this understanding. 

How better to celebrate the joys and pains of her mother’s cancer journey
than by running across her home state? As Becca shared her story, she realized
the resonance and common themes; there’s not a single life untouched by the pains
of cancer, and people are desperate for support and acknowledgement of the
struggles of battling cancer, whether the fight be personal or alongside a family
member. By undertaking a 575-mile run across her home state, Becca will serve as
a light and beacon for those who need hope, running a mountain marathon a day
for 30 days and attempting an FKT across the remote Bob Marshall Wilderness. 

During her mom's treatment, Becca found that everyone had been affected by cancer
in some way, a common thread connecting everyone she encountered when sharing the
story of Val's treatment. "Damn near everyone" had lost a loved one, gone through
treatment, or been recently diagnosed. Becca realized that people told these stories
not only to provide support, but as a cathartic mechanism to make sense of their own
experiences. The cancer may have been cured, but the emotional weight remained.
Seeking a way to help others heal, Becca began to invite friends who had lost
a loved one from cancer to come run with her, finding the runs created
community, connection, and a cure for past emotions.

"Damn Near Everyone" is more than a metaphorical documentary: it is an active
and engaging community outreach. Becca won’t be running alone – we believe the best
therapy happens in groups, and that true healing happens through connection. We’ll be
inviting folks to join the run along the way, whether that’s for a mile or 30, on bike, foot,
or horseback. We aim to encourage others affected by cancer to join us in the second
half of the run. Starting 5 months prior to the Trans-Montana endeavor, we’ll use social
media channels (partner’s and our own) to promote the project. This lead up will include
training plans, interviews, survivor and caregiver resources, and other engaging types of
short and long form content. The themes of resilience, mental toughness, and self
understanding will resonate universally, inspiring not only those affected
by cancer, but anyone who carries their own emotional burdens. 

The route is strategically crafted, each feature serving to promote
the cinematic and emotional characteristics of the story. The route will
traverse multiple technical ridge lines, showcase breathtaking western scenery,
and intersect with iconic and authentic Montana towns. With purposefully incorporated
features including a snowy start and 4th of July finish, a 50-mile Fastest Known Time
push through the Bob Marshall Wilderness on day 11, easily accessible road for
the group run segment, and consideration of light quality and cinematic translation.
The route will allow Becca to stretch her limits while still allowing
space for community engagement and celebration. 

Becca’s roots in Montana run deep – her great great grandmother homesteaded in
Big Timber, and the family has grown and changed in tandem with the Gallatin Valley.
As the oldest of 6 brothers and sisters, she has always felt the pressure of leading
the family into the next generation with responsibility and foresight. After receiving
her BS in Neuroscience, with honors, from Montana State University, Becca paused
her medical school ambitions to work at Deaconess Hospital and ski patrol at Big Sky,
always looking towards the medical field as the long term goal. With multiple
self supported mountain marathons and big days in the mountains under her
belt she ran The Rut and Whitefish 50Ks in the summer of 2022, cementing
her relationship with running as an outlet of freedom and celebration. 

For route details, run calendar, and sign ups, please click the link below!

ROUTE INFO