Gunnery Sgt. Jerry Embry and his nurse, Agnes Sicat, know what it’s like to face hurdles. In 2011, Embry, a motor transport mechanic and 22-year Marine, was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Since his diagnoses, Sicat, a nurse at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., has been there every step of the way.
On Oct. 28, they faced another challenge together: the 37th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
“Jerry is nothing short of inspiring,” said Sicat. “He is one of my heroes; positive, strong and of course a Marine who acts like it’s no big deal.”
Although Sicat was not Embry’s primary nurse, they became instant friends. “Words just flowed,” Embry said.
Gunnery Sgt. Jerry Embry and his nurse, Agnes Sicat, ran the Marine Corps Marathon together on Oct. 28. Embry was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2011.
Known as the “People’s Marathon,” the event is the world’s largest to not offer prize money to participants.
Each year, thousands of runners from around the world flock to the nation’s capital or participate in shadow runs in remote places like Afghanistan and Kuwait.
This year’s marathon was expected to draw the largest number of participants in the race’s history.
Thirty thousand runners between the ages of 14 and 86 from every state and 54 countries raced through the streets of Northern Virginia and downtown Washington.
Embry, 39, has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea and said the demands of being a Marine have helped keep him in top physical shape and probably had something to do with how well he responded to treatment.
Embry has undergone approximately seven chemotherapy treatments since his diagnosis.
Sicat said Embry’s positive attitude has made a positive impact on those around him, including her.
“Jerry taught me the importance of good humor and had the whole room laughing all of the time,” Sicat said.
Today, the cancer is virtually undetectable in his blood, though Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is rare for his age and considered a chronic condition because it can reemerge at any time.
For now though, Embry and Sicat have their sights set on the finish line.
“I never accepted the fact that I was sick nor did I ever fear that I wouldn’t beat it,” Embry said.