For many runners, race day is about setting a personal record, crossing the finish line, or completing the miles. However, for Memphis runner Nate Rupiper, West Fight On has always been about something bigger.
Since first participating in the annual event in 2019 alongside his wife, Sarah, the race has become a meaningful tradition rooted in family, community, and a shared commitment to supporting those impacted by cancer.
“A family friend works with the foundation and asked us to come support it,” Nate recalled. “Since then, we have been a part of each West Fight On.”
What started as participation in a local race quickly evolved into a deeper connection to the mission of West Cancer Foundation. Sarah eventually joined the organization’s Young Professionals Advisory Board, helping further the foundation’s efforts to support Mid-South cancer patients and families.
“Understanding the impact West has on our community and knowing our contributions make a difference has kept us coming back,” Nate said. “Almost everyone from any walk of life has been impacted by cancer in some way.”
For him, the cause is deeply personal.
He watched his mother courageously battle and overcome breast cancer. Today, she is cancer-free, but witnessing her journey forever changed his perspective on resilience, access to care, and the importance of community support.
“My mother faced cancer head-on and bravely beat it,” he said. “Even with as good an attitude as you can have through it, there are emotional drains, moments of doubt, and so much more that happens when you fight cancer.”
His family’s experience also opened his eyes to challenges many patients face beyond treatment itself.
“I think knowing how hard her journey was and understanding that not everyone has access to the same resources was really eye-opening,” Nate shared. “West bridges that gap to make sure everyone gets to their appointments. The perspective that there are people who can’t make it to appointments, even in our own community, is heavy and heartbreaking.”
That understanding is one reason West Fight On feels different from any other race Nate runs throughout the year.
While participants lace up their shoes and gather at the starting line, like any traditional 5K, the atmosphere is uniquely reflective and inspiring.
“The race is full of taking moments to reflect on those impacted by cancer in your life while still having a good time,” he said. “Many people create signs to honor those they are running for or remembering. Those signs line the path to the finish line and often create emotional moments.”
The event’s impact extends beyond the race itself. Food vendors, live music, and opportunities to connect with others create an environment where participants can celebrate while learning more about the foundation’s mission and services.
For Nate, Sarah’s involvement has also strengthened his connection to the organization.
“Her passion has made me want to be more involved and allowed me to learn fully about what the foundation does to support our community and ways we can help,” he expressed. “It’s really taken it past just participation and a step toward being a part of the West Fight On team doing good things in our community.”
Though Nate has enjoyed competitive success at the race, including winning his age group, he views those accomplishments as secondary to the event’s purpose.
“The event is focused on the larger mission,” Nate said. “The sooner I finish, the less it’s about the race and the more time I can spend hearing people tell their stories, talking about the amazing work they are doing, and determining how people in our community can be supported.”
As an avid runner, Nate also sees parallels between endurance sports and the perseverance required during a cancer journey.
“It’s one foot after the other and day by day,” he said. “You aren’t always going to feel your best when you hit the pavement, but it’s important to still push through if you want to be better. Cancer is a much tougher battle than a long run, but you have to keep showing up, take breaks when your body needs it, and do whatever it takes to recover.”
Many of those lessons have come from the women who have shaped his life: his wife, his mother, and his sister.
“Their steady spirit and always being there no matter the situation is so valuable,” Nate said. “Everyone deserves to have those people in their life they know they can count on.”
That same spirit of support and compassion is what he believes makes organizations like West Cancer Foundation so vital to Memphis.
“These events matter so much because they support people helping our community and people in our community getting help,” Nate shared. “Memphis is only as strong as the people and relationships within it. Organizations like West drive the right kind of change and show that we are focused on building a better, healthier city.”
For those who have never participated in West Fight On, his message is simple: show up.
“Take the chance,” he said. “Come for a 5K or a one-mile walk. You’ll learn about an amazing organization, meet some amazing people, and probably feel better and have a sense of accomplishment when you are done. It’s not about being the best. It’s about us all being better together.”
And if he could address every participant before the starting horn sounds each year, his words would be rooted in gratitude.
“The odds are each and every one of you has been affected by cancer in some way,” Nate said. “Supporting those you love and those in your community makes a difference — not only today, but for the next generation.”
For Nate, that is the true meaning of West Fight On. It’s not about the miles. It’s about the people, the purpose, and the collective power of a community determined to move forward together.
To learn more about West Cancer Foundation, visit Westcancerfoundation.org, or to get involved with West Fight On, go to Westcancerfoundation.org/wfo.
By Beth Wilson
Photo by Tindall Stephens
