Cancer physician connects with patients by running the London Marathon

Courtney Bundrick will run for World Cancer Research Fund on 26 April 2026 to support cancer prevention research following the deaths of her parents.

The internal medicine physician, from Little Rock, is fundraising in memory of her mother – who died from ovarian cancer when Courtney was just 12 years old.

Courtney’s role caring for people with advanced cancer was also inspired by her father, who was a physician before passing away in 2023.

This frontline healthcare experience motivated Courtney to take action beyond hospital walls. By fundraising for cancer prevention research, she hopes to improve outcomes for future patients.

“Most of the cancer patients I see are either newly diagnosed with severe symptoms or suffering from advanced disease,” Courtney explained. “By that point, treatment options can be limited. That’s why I’m passionate about fundraising for life-changing cancer research.”

For Courtney, running has been a healthy release since medical school, and she has embraced discipline and mental resilience ever since.

“Training for a marathon takes months of commitment, but I love the structure and focus it gives me. It’s also a healthier way to manage stress, especially after starting my career during the pandemic.”

This dedication has not gone unnoticed by her patients, who are touched by Courtney’s efforts.

“Sometimes I’ll come into work after training, which often sparks conversations,” she shared. “Some of my patients were runners themselves, so it becomes a way for us to connect.”

World Cancer Research Fund CEO, Rachael Hutson, said:

“Every day, we see the impact that cancer has on people, families, and communities. It’s people like Courtney, who bring both professional experience and personal insight, that inspire change. By running the London Marathon, she’s driving forward life-changing research into how diet, nutrition, and physical activity can reduce cancer risk and improve survival. We’re grateful for her dedication and are incredibly proud to have her on the team.”

As she prepares for London, Courtney carries the memory of her mother and the stories of the patients she cares for every day.

“I’m doing this for them,” she said. “Anything we can do to advance research and prevent others from reaching the late stages, that’s what matters most.”

You can show Courtney your support by donating or sharing her story at the link below.