“I Run For Life” Is A Powerful Song Written In The Wake Of A Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In the fall of 2004, Melissa Etheridge felt a lump in her breast, at the age of 43. The singer had a history of breast cancer in her family, having lost an aunt and a grandmother to breast cancer, so she had always been on top of her game when it came to self-checks and regular doctor appointments. In fact, she had had a breast exam only two months before! When she found that she could not only feel the lump but actually see it, she knew she had to get it checked out, fast.

Etheridge underwent a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation and has been cancer-free since. She penned one of the most profound breast cancer anthems, “I Run For Life” after the experience. In this video, you can watch her perform the powerful song on Late Show with David Letterman.

Watch and be inspired!

It’s been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She’ll tell you it makes her complete

I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life