Man fighting breast cancer runs half marathon in NYC, starts foundation to support others
Brian Chrobak is inspiring his community by sharing his journey with male breast cancer and his determination to live life to the fullest, including completing a half-marathon in New York City and founding a
Chrobak, who has been fighting stage 4 male breast cancer, spent months training for the Breast Cancer Half Marathon in New York City, which he completed during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"I'm just faced with a challenge that, regardless of what doctors or science says, I believe I can beat this," Chrobak said.
Chrobak's story has touched hearts across the country through social media, where he encourages others to make a difference rather than hide from challenges.
"You can decide to go in a hole or hide, or you can make a decision to make a difference," he said.
Chrobak emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and honesty in his journey.
"I would always say try to become the best version of yourself," he said. "You have to look in the mirror. It starts with being honest and being open. It magnifies everything in your life, whether it's good and bad. You have to break yourself down to rebuild yourself."
After being diagnosed with the rare cancer, Chrobak leaned on his faith to rebuild.
"The odds of male breast cancer are extremely low, especially for somebody at that time. I'm 36 years old. You're well under 1%. So I've had that cyst. What I thought was a cyst for quite some time. Doctors said just keep an eye on it. And one day, I came out of the shower and was drying off, and my left breast looked different. And that led to a biopsy, and away we went. So that started in 2021," he said.
Chrobak underwent surgery and went into remission, but in August of last year, he discovered another lump while working out.
"I was just rubbing my shoulder down after doing a set, and I felt a lump on top of my trap. And I was like, oh boy, you know, here we go again," he said.
Despite the challenges, Chrobak refuses to see himself as terminal.
"I refuse to look at myself as terminal. I don't even like using that word because, you know, if I worry or I get depressed or I get down, nothing changes. The outcome is still going to be what you know, that's Jesus' plan, not mine," he said.
Chrobak created to help others dealing with cancer.
"The Now Foundation was built by him for other people. We had to fight him to accept the help and let him be a part of it," said Dominick Joseph, a friend.
His childhood friends have supported him by organizing fundraisers and providing emotional support.
"Being there for him and making sure that he knows how much he means to us and we want him around for as long as possible," said Dino Mitsos, another friend.
Chrobak carries a list of 250 names with him during his runs, representing people who have battled or are battling cancer. "I carry a list of people with me, every name, every mile for those that have battled or battling or beat cancer," he said.
His friends see him as a beacon of hope.
"Every day, he is a miracle. He is creating and inspiring people to be great, he's inspiring people to fight, he's rallying people around him and the cause in whatever it might be that folks are dealing with in our community. He's giving them inspiration so every day he is changing people's lives," said Joshua Vitale, a friend.
Bobby Preston, another friend, added, "He appreciates every moment and every day is a blessing, and that's kind of how the NOW Foundation got its name. All we can worry about is where our feet are and living for today."
Brian Chrobak says he is going to continue to fight and spread awareness through his foundation. To learn more,
