A runner who battled cancer for more than a decade has died, aged 32 – just days after she yelled 'not today' when her husband told her tests proved she didn't have long left.

Gabriele Grunewald became the American champion over 3,000m indoors in 2014 after she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

She was also the 12th fastest US woman in history over 1500m.

On June 3, her husband took to Instagram to share the news that test results had suggested she was "incompatible with life."

He said: "They started fluid resuscitation, placed a PICC line gave two units of blood and her numbers had worsened with a lactate of 26. She was relatively unaware and at peace.

"I made the hardest decision of my life with her family and brother to move her to comfort care.

"I actually got the opportunity to say goodbye to her alone and inform her she was dying, at that time she did not seem to be comprehending much. Shortly after I told her she was dying she took a deep breath and yelled 'NOT TODAY.'"

Her husband, Justin, announced her death yesterday, in another heartbreaking post, with a photo of the couple running into the sun.

He said that she died peacefully with no suffering, in his emotional annoucement.

The post said: "At 7.52 I said 'I can't wait until I get to see you again' to my hero, my best friend, my inspiration, my wife.

"I always felt like the Robin to your Batman and I know I will never be able to fill this gaping hole in my heart or fill the shoes you have left behind. Your family loves you dearly as do your friends.

"To everyone else from all ends of the earth, Gabriele heard your messages and was so deeply moved.

"She wants you to stay brave and keep all the hope in the world. Thanks for helping keep her brave in her time of need."

Mrs Grunewald continued to train and race despite her diagnosis which led to her having half of her liver removed in 2016, as well as numerous chemotherapy treatments.

After having radiotherapy during 2011, she finished fourth in the US 1500m trials for the 2012 London Olympics, missing out on a place in the team by one position, BBC Sport reports.

She inspired others with her attitude, sharing her personal photo and insights into her treatment and outlook.

Her inspiring momentum led to the slogan “Brave Like Gabe”.

She had been studying and running at the University of Minnesota in 2009 when she was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her salivary gland, called adenoid cystic carcinoma.

One year later she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

The day after receiving her first cancer diagnosis, she ran what was then her fastest 1500m time of 4 minutes, 13.45 seconds.

It remains the university’s record,  Minnesota’s Star Tribune reported.

British runner and world marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe was among those saddened by Grunewald’s plight.

Knowing Mrs Grunewald's death was imminent, she tweeted on Sunday night.

Her tribute read: "The bravery, heart and smile of @gg_runs will always shine brightly and inspire so many."

Source: Read Full Article