Overview:
Nicole Smith’s story is one of perseverance and faith. Diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at just 27, she fought through surgery and chemotherapy with her spirit anchored in hope. A year later, she’s reclaiming her strength — finishing the Colt State Half Marathon in Bristol, Rhode Island, and inspiring others to find faith through adversity.
At Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island, the air was crisp, the crowd was cheering, and among hundreds of determined runners, one name stood out — Nicole Smith. Completing the Colt State Half Marathon, Nicole’s finish symbolized far more than a race medal. It represented survival, strength, and a renewed spirit.
Just a short time ago, Nicole’s life was upended by three words that would change everything: stage 3 colon cancer. At 27, she was a former collegiate athlete and avid marathon runner who lived an active, healthy life. “Cancer wasn’t on my radar,” she shared. “It shattered the illusion of invincibility I portrayed to the world.”
Chemotherapy
What followed were months of surgery, chemotherapy, and uncertainty. Yet through that pain, Nicole found something deeper — an unshakable faith and a support system that carried her through. “My faith became my hope,” she wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. “Cancer led the right people to me, and faith kept them in my life.”
Her journey back to fitness and health wasn’t just physical — it was spiritual. She discovered resilience in herself that had been waiting to be revealed. “Through the darkest moments, my faith outweighed my fears,” she said. “Life’s tribulations have a way of fortifying our faith and transforming adversity into strength.”
Today
Now, as she crosses finish lines again, Nicole does so not only for herself but for everyone fighting a battle they didn’t choose. “Cancer became my catalyst for spiritual renewal and healing,” she reflected. “My prayer is for those with similar paths to find solace and strength, and to feel divine love guiding them through the storm.”
From her diagnosis to her triumphant return to running, Nicole Smith embodies the courage that comes from faith and perseverance. Her story reminds us that even in the face of life’s hardest trials, strength can be reborn — and finish lines can be crossed with grace and gratitude.
You can follow Nicole’s ongoing journey of health, faith, and fitness on Instagram: @nicoleellasmith
Sources:
- Nicole Smith on Instagram
- Colt State Half Marathon, Bristol, Rhode Island
More at Presence News:
