50 States Half Marathon Club member Letitia Davenport-Ezell, from Detroit, Michigan, has been a member of the club since 2017. Letitia completed the 50 States Half Marathon Challenge, this year, in 2019.

Letitia shares, in her own words, her experience, what led her to "the journey", and gives inspiration to all:

What inspired Letitia to join the journey?

"What inspired me to start the 50-state journey was I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Before the diagnose I ran everyday, just because I loved getting out in the early mornings to talk with GOD. Running was healing to me with job stress, family life and just in general. With the cancer diagnosed I was scared. The word cancer was scary BUT unlike others when they hear the word and chose to sit on the sideline to stop. Yes, I was scared because I thought 'how would or could I continue running', but not being able to run is what scared me."

Letitia's Personal Experience & Her Journey with the Club:

"Well I never stopped running. I ran through treatments and I haven’t stopped. I decided to join the 50 states journey because I wanted to see the Country. So being a runner, why not run each state to see the Country. The journey has been rewarding. I have met a lot of kind, friendly people with open hearts, some have become friends and others I look for at other races. Yes, this journey is about to come to an end but I will forever treasure the memories."

A Personal Note of Inspiration from Letitia:

"For those who are almost finished, and for those who are thinking about joining, know that you are the master of your own fate"

" Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning’s of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

~ William Ernest Henley