Running with Purpose: Meet Thriver & Team V Runner Ali Cogswell
For Ali Cogswell, crossing the finish line at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a member of “Team V” was part of a journey that began more than a year ago from an unexpected place: a breast cancer diagnosis at age 28. Now cancer-free, she’s become a passionate voice for early detection and advancing cancer research, all while accomplishing new goals in her own life.
Diagnosis & Treatment
In early 2024, Ali Cogswell scheduled a visit with her doctor after she’d noticed a small, almost indiscernible symptom in the prior weeks. Though Ali was young and healthy, her OB/GYN referred her for a breast ultrasound to be cautious. The ultrasound yielded no concerns, and Ali was told to check back in only if she had continued symptoms in the months ahead – which she did.
By summer, Ali advocated for additional testing, where an MRI revealed an early stage of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
“I know cancer is so prevalent and I know breast cancer specifically is, but you still just never think it’s going to be you,” said Ali. “And especially that age, with no family history. It was just a ‘how did this happen?’ kind of moment.”
She underwent surgery that fall with a highly skilled oncology team at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center. She recalls her surgeon, also a breast cancer researcher, listening to her needs as a young cancer patient and offering assurance for a long and healthy life post-cancer. After a complex surgery, Ali’s results revealed clean margins, avoiding the need for radiation or chemotherapy and confirming she was officially cancer-free.
Now on the other side of her diagnosis, Ali recognizes the continued need for research advancements, especially for young adults like herself. “At 28 years old, I need 60-year survival rates. Research is everything. There’s so much awareness because so many women are dealing with this, but how can we catch it as early as possible? When will we have a cure?”
Team V Runners Ali and Sydney
Inspired to Run
During Ali’s recovery in fall 2024, she went out to enjoy one of her favorite days of the year and cheer on her cousin running the Chicago Marathon.
“I’ve always been a spectator, and it’s just such a magical day. The marathon was about a month after my surgery, and you become so much more appreciative for your body and don’t want to take it for granted. So I was out there, watching people do something amazing, and I thought, ‘Okay, I want to be a part of this.’”
She began exploring charity teams to join for the 2025 race, with a cancer-connected cause top of mind. “I was familiar with the V Foundation from the ESPY Awards. Then I read more about everything they do for research and that’s something I’m very happy to fundraise for.”
Alongside her close friend, Sydney, they signed up to be a part of “Team V,” the V Foundation’s endurance sports and fundraising program, and run the Chicago Marathon together while raising critical funds for cancer research.
Ali pushed herself physically and mentally, powering through on the longest and most challenging training runs. “When I get in a tough mental space, I definitely have the mindset of: I can run. I am able to run. Last year I couldn’t run, I couldn’t lift more than five pounds, I couldn’t lift my arms above my head. I’m so lucky I’m able to do this now, so why wouldn’t I?”
When it came to fundraising for the V Foundation, Ali’s friends and family rallied around her, just as they had the year prior during her recovery. “People were so, so generous. My friends and family already did everything last year; I didn’t even want to ask another thing from them. But they all showed up again,” said Ali.
“And the V Foundation is not a hard sell. When you go to the site and ask, ‘why should I donate here,’ you see everything they’ve done, how much money they’ve raised, how many grants they’ve awarded. Any question you can think of, it’s there.”
With 100% of direct donations to the V Foundation going straight into the labs of scientists at top cancer centers, Ali was proud to amplify this cause and raised more than $3,200 during her training.
On October 12, 2025, Ali successfully crossed the finish line of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon!
Continued Advocacy
As Ali explores her next goal to tackle, she always keeps health advocacy at the forefront. She regularly reminds her friends and community to know their bodies and reach out to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right. She credits her OB/GYN for taking her concerns seriously and initiating the process that caught the cancer at an early stage.
“I text my friends on the first of each month to ‘feel it on the first.’ I tell them to just do it, and I hope you never feel anything, but if you do, you know to go to the doctor right away,” said Ali. “Err on the side of caution and get it checked out.”
Ali has also participated in research surveys to allow her experience to continue improving treatment plans and care for future breast cancer patients. As a voice for research, a proud fundraiser for the V Foundation, and a recent Chicago Marathon finisher, Ali has taken her unexpected cancer diagnosis and turned it into a force for good.
