Throughout January, a city resident with a tremendous amount of grit and courage and with the strong backing of her family could be found walking numerous laps in the evenings at Bellefontaine Elementary School during the indoor walking program.
As each lap passed, Brenda Hodges, who has been battling metastatic breast cancer for the past three years, had an important goal that was spurring her on — regaining strength so that she could compete in a 5K race with her fellow family members in St. Petersburg, Fla., in early February.
This idea was particularly incredible considering that the 60-year-old had recently experienced mobility issues after the cancer had spread to her bones. She required a procedure just over a year ago to replace her knee and reinforce large portions of her leg, her brother Brian Hodges related.
“At that time, the thought of her participating in a 5K seemed nearly impossible. But if you know Brenda, you know she’s never been one to back down from a challenge,” said Brian, a resident of Powell who grew up alongside his sister Brenda and their three other siblings in Jackson Center. The siblings spent their younger years attending the Bellefontaine First Church of God.
For the past three years, Brian has accompanied his sister to treatments at the OSU James and Stephanie Spielman Cancer Centers in Columbus, “a relentless fight that has tested her strength in every possible way,” her brother said. Brenda, a full-time employee on the accounting team at AGC in Bellefontaine, would often stay with Brian’s family at their Powell area home before receiving her treatments.
A 1982 Jackson Center High School graduate, Brenda has lived in Bellefontaine for 19 years and has been an active member of the Mt. Tabor Church of God for the past 43 years as well.
While the city resident was in recovery from her surgery last year, Brian was training for the 2024 St. Pete Classic Marathon, and his son Nathan and daughter Leah were preparing for the Half Marathon.
“Leah is a student at USF in Tampa, and we saw the race as a meaningful family challenge and a way to spend time together,” Brian said. “After we completed our races in 2024, Brenda often remarked that she would love to participate in the event — ‘as soon as I beat cancer.’”
By late fall 2024, Brenda’s recovery was progressing well. Her treatment had stabilized, the cancer had stopped growing, and she was regaining her strength, Brian recounted.
During Thanksgiving, she gathered with her family and “the idea of all of us running the race together started taking shape,” her brother said.
“We knew we would need to monitor Brenda’s progress, but the goal was set — we would travel to St. Petersburg to participate.”
By early January after another positive check-up, Brenda began her regular walking sessions, slowly building up her endurance. As the month went on, she reached two miles in a single session, which was a huge milestone, Brian noted.
“That’s when she made the decision: she was going to walk the 5K in St. Pete,” he said.
The extended family members traveled to sunny Florida together as a group, with each person choosing different races to take on the 2025 St. Petersburg Distance Class. Brenda and Brian’s brother Alan, their sister Christina, Brian’s wife Sharon, his daughters Grace and Leah, his son Nathan, and his nephew Steven Dearwester and wife Nicole were all there, running and walking in different events, but all united in one purpose: to support Brenda.
“On a beautiful February morning in St. Petersburg, Fla., I had the joy of walking beside my sister Brenda Hodges as we took on the 5K race at the St. Petersburg Distance Classic. It wasn’t about setting a personal best or finishing with a fast time — this was about something far greater,” Brian said of the Feb. 9 race.
“…there we were, standing at the starting line together—not to race, but to take each step with determination, hope, and the unwavering support of family.”
The Powell resident said he and Brenda were nearly the last ones to cross the 5K finish line, but the joy and the meaning behind the experience is something they and other race participants will never forget.
“As we made our way through the 5K course, the encouragement we received was overwhelming. We weren’t setting the pace, but we were setting an example of perseverance.
“Fellow runners and walkers cheered us on, clapping, offering high-fives, and sharing words of encouragement. Some had already finished their own races but stayed along the route to support others. Their energy lifted Brenda with every step.
“Brenda didn’t just finish a 5K. She proved, once again, that cancer doesn’t define her. Every step was a victory, every cheer a reminder that she is not alone in this fight.
“As she crossed the finish line, with family and the cheers of strangers-turned-supporters, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with pride. This wasn’t about a race—it was about resilience and the power of the human spirit.”
Brenda’s fight isn’t over, Brian related, but he said the 5K experience showed her family and loved ones that she’s not just surviving — she’s living.
“It was an incredible moment, one that I believe can inspire and motivate anyone facing illness or adversity, proving that their best days are not behind them.”