Brain cancer survivor Jen McDevitt completed the New York City marathon yesterday as a member of Team McGraw, a group sponsored by the Tug McGraw Foundation, MSNBC reports.

Tug McGraw, who coined the phrase “Ya Gotta Believe” is a iconic figure for the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, and father of country music star Tim McGraw. McGraw died in 2004 of brain cancer.

McDevitt was discovered to have brain cancer when she was pregnant and was given three to five years to live. She underwent treatment and beat the disease, and while doing so took up running. Her doctor encouraged her to run and felt it benefitted her recovery.

“There is no question that exercise plays a huge role in improving the psychological and physical and maybe even the curative status of these patients,” Friedman told NBC. “We think it enhances her chances of doing well and we absolutely, unequivocally support her.”

The catchphrase McGraw coined for the Mets, “You gotta believe,” has become her mantra.

“It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it,” she told Morales. “I put my mind to ‘I’ll be cured.’ I’m going to live a long and healthy life.”

Great, great story, and a inspiration to anyone who is struggling with fighting cancer. It just goes to show, You Gotta Believe.

Hat tip to Chris D. (Hot Foot Jr.) for linking me to the story.