32-year-old Iram Leon suffers from brain cancer but it’s not this diagnosis that defines him. If someone were to categorize the Texan under any single mantle, it would have to be that of a truly great dad.
Last Saturday, Leon won the Gusher Marathon held in Beaumont, Texas with a time of 3:07:35. While he’s on the official record, Iram will be the first to remind you that his 6-year-old daughter Kiana actually came in first. You see, dad insisted that he be able to push his daughter in a stroller for the entire 26-mile race.
Via Leon’s blog Picking Up A Hitchhiker he wrote:
“Here sore, reflecting and grateful, I still can’t believe that I won a marathon. Well, I came in second behind Kiana.”
In November of 2010 Leon was diagnosed with Grade 2 Diffuse Astrocytoma. Doctors have informed Iram that he will not defeat the cancer and that their goal is for him to make it to his 40th birthday.
Iram and Kiana’s mom are divorced and the 1st grader spends the majority of the year with her father. Because of the cancer, which affects his language skills and memory, Leon isn’t allowed to participate in a myriad of different activities including driving. These prohibitions do not keep him from enjoying his two biggest passions, spending time with his daughter and running.
Before the race he eventually won even began, Leon was running uphill. He was denied four times before officials with the race in Beaumont finally allowed the stroller.
Here’s a video of dad and daughter in action. Iram actually sings a little of Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” as they make their way:
The proud father’s first action upon receiving the medal for his win was to hand it over to Kiana. He wrote:
“At the awards ceremony, I immediately placed [the medal] on her neck and like every other race she’s been part of, that medal hangs in her room.”
Since the race the unassuming dad has received all kinds of attention and notoriety. He’s quick to dismiss most of the accolades, choosing to remain focused on what’s important for him. He believes that his story is inspirational simply because he chooses to be a good dad, so he’s refused any interviews or obligations that would take away from time he usually spends with his daughter.
He knows that the disease attacking his body is wearing on his memory but he’s fiercely determined to provide as many wonderful memories for Kiana as he can. In a recent photo post to Facebook, a beaming pops shared the following pic of his daughter proudly displaying a drawing she made from her recollection of their race together. It’s picture proof-positive that Iram’s a success.
In response to all the attention, The Sports Society for American Health has set up a college fund for Kiana with a goal of $30,000. Leon has a legion of new fans and has informed those wishing to help that any donation to this fund is appreciated.
There’s so many lessons that can be learned from Iram’s life and the way he’s chosen to spend his time. His most recent Facebook post is just another:
While I may be on various news outlets, don’t miss the moral of the story. I just walked Kiana to school and told her I love her. Tell someone you love today they are the biggest news in your life.
It’s moments like the one described above that make life worth living. Thanks to Mr. Leon for reminding us all of that.
For Iram, Kiana and everyone else out there putting one foot in front of the other the best way you know how:
