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Whalen, a former runner at the high school, said she has undergone surgery in which doctors took out one kidney, her left adrenal gland and her spleen.
"The chemo at first was difficult, it limited me physically," said Whalen.
"We found out this past December's chemo wasn't working," she said.
"They (doctors) put me on stronger drugs."
"Up until a month ago, I was the only patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital with adrenal cancer," said Whalen."
She said her doctor is trying to connect her with a 28-year-old who has also been diagnosed with the disease.
"Adrenal cancer is predominantly found in smaller children and older people," said Whalen.
Whalen, 21, a junior at New York University, studying psychology and sociology, saidt running is something she fell into and offers her a sense of release from everyday tasks.
"I started when I was around 14 or 15. I've known people at Arlington grade levels above me who have had wonderful things to say about running; I didn't realize how much of a life-changing opportunity it would be," said Whalen, who participated in cross country and track while at Arlington.
LaGrange Middle School track coach Colleen Napora, who has known Whalen since 2003, said she is a caring person, someone always willing to give of herself to others.
"As soon as I mention her name to people, I can't tell you how many people offer to help, from faculty, staff, friends, even people who don't know her," said Napora, who is spearheading the race.
Napora cited a recent instance in which employees from Vinny's Brick Oven Pizza Restaurant in Poughkeepsie heard about Whalen and immediately offered to take off 10 percent of sales to help fight for her cause during the race weekend.
Napora said more than $1,000 has been raised thus far for the race and approximately 60 participants have confirmed their spots.
Whalen said she could empathize with people dealing with different types of cancer.
"We're all facing similar issues," she said. "I have a broader view on life these days" she said.
Whalen credited the source of the spring to her step each day.
"My family, friends, and my faith" she said. "My mom always tells me to take it one day at a time."
A distance and speed runner, Whalen said she prefers distance.
"In high school, I did the race walk for track, my goal was to make it to nationals my senior year."
Twice competing in the Empire State Games as participant and also the Penn Relays, once in high school and once in college, Whalen said she is proudest of making it to the national championship while attending Arlington High School.
"I never thought I would make it," said Whalen, adding, "Coach Napora pushed me hard."
Despite challenges, Whalen said she is able to maintain her daily schedule, which includes being a member of the hall council at NYU, volunteering her time to do community service, and taking four courses this semester,
She said her favorite this semester is expressive cultures, in which she described a project the class did on sound and noise in New York City.
"We interviewed various New Yorkers about their experiences with noise pollution. We're creating a sound map. It's really cool," she said.
Whalen believes in giving back, including helping out someday in the field of gerontology.
For more information on how to get involved in the fun run efforts, contact Colleen Napora at 845-298-2141.
