Woman with ALS completes City of Oaks marathon

Anthony Wilson Image
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Woman with ALS completes marathon
City of Oaks Marathon

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Thousands of runners from around the world made their way through downtown Raleigh streets for the final leg of the City of Oaks marathon. One competitor, triathlete Andrea Lytle Peet, crossed the finish line on a recumbent cycle.

We learned from her proud parents that Peet, a graduate of Enloe High, was diagnosed with ALS about a year and a half ago.

"She decided that she had a choice," said her mother, Sandra Lytle, "to either give up or to live every day to its fullest and help in finding a cure."

ABC11's retired anchor Larry Stogner was also diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Last month, at a dinner for ABC11 employees with more than 15 years of service, Larry said he's feeling fine, and is playing lots of golf now.

Peet, like Larry, is working to raise awareness for ALS. She's using social media to keep her supporters up to date about her activities.

"So many people have discovered her online and eventually came to be her actual friends, have come here to Raleigh," her mom said. "Some of them she's only met just yesterday."

One day later, more than two dozen members of Team Drea ran beside her as she finished the marathon on her cycle.

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