Meet Ana Stoilova, a resilient runner who did not let a daunting lung operation surgery four years ago hold her back from being active and participating in sports events.

Her determination and the support from her loved ones were the driving forces behind not only her recovery but also her improved 10k run performance after only a year and a half!

Nowadays, Ana and her family combine their love of sports with travelling and participating in sports events worldwide. She strives to raise awareness about youth with disabilities and more, while participating in sports events that support relevant causes.

What initially made you interested in running?

Thanks to sport, I am able to maintain good physical condition. Running in the morning provides me with important time to myself. While running, I put my daily tasks in order in my head, observe nature, relax, or indulge in creative thinking.

Tell us your story, why you run.

A few years ago, my family and I, who are also into sports, decided to give direction to our travels and combine running with traveling. We started participating in organized runs in different countries.

Four years ago, I needed to have part of one of my lungs removed and was left with reduced breathing volume. The recovery was slow and difficult, but I was persistent. A year and a half after the surgery, I could run 10km again with a new tempo. I am convinced that sport is what has helped me work and lead a full life again. The support of my family and coach is also priceless.

Have you ever participated in any races or marathons for a charitable cause? What motivated you to combine running with supporting a cause?

My family and I participate in sports events whose goal is to gather funds for an organization that helps youth with disabilities. We also participate in information campaigns about diabetes and other conditions. I wish that such events become ever more popular.

Please give us more details if you are running for a specific cause this year.

In running events, I do not feel like a person with disabilities, but like a standard, healthy runner. My times put me in the middle of the rankings, and that speaks for itself. We will continue to travel and run!

 Share your why here.