Leanna Scaglione, a former ballerina, recently completed a half-marathon just two months after brain surgery and is now preparing to run the NYC Marathon. She will be tackling the 26.2-mile course less than a year after having a tumor removed from her brain, which left her with deafness in her right ear and temporary facial paralysis. Despite the challenges she faced following the surgery, Scaglione remained determined to start running again.
Scaglione has been battling serious health issues for years, starting at age 15 when she was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, an incurable genetic condition that causes tumors to grow throughout the body. After undergoing two surgeries to remove a large tumor in her lower spine, she was wheelchair-bound for a year and told she would never dance again. However, she persevered and eventually regained her mobility, refusing to let her illness define her life.
Throughout the years, Scaglione has had 13 tumors removed from various parts of her body, including her spine, wrists, and most recently her brain. She started running during the pandemic as a way to escape being stuck indoors, despite having nerve damage in her right leg. Running quickly became a passion for her, leading her to compete in races to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Having participated in the NYC Marathon last year but having to walk most of it due to a brain tumor affecting her hearing and balance, Scaglione underwent another surgery in January to remove the tumor and receive an auditory brainstem implant. Now, with the goal of finishing the NYC Marathon in under four hours, she plans to run in multiple marathons as a national ambassador for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Scaglione’s determination and resilience have been key components in overcoming the numerous health challenges she has faced throughout her life. She views running as a physical way to demonstrate that she can tackle obstacles and continue moving forward despite her diagnosis. By participating in these races, she aims to show that her illness does not have to control or define her life, inspiring others to persevere in the face of adversity. Through her journey, Scaglione has demonstrated that with determination and a positive mindset, anything is possible.
