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Ocala resident Robin Feagle has done something truly remarkable: She completed the American Brain Tumor Association’s February walking challenge, logging 28 miles to support fellow brain tumor patients.

Just completing the challenge would have been remarkable enough during brain tumor treatment. However, Robin raised $4,512, making her the second-highest fundraiser nationally. The funds support the association’s mission to accelerate brain tumor research and expand educational and emotional support programs.

“The funny part was, you had to set a goal, and I put $300,� Robin said. “My mom goes, ‘Oh Robin, that’s ridiculous.� I had no idea how crazily generous all my friends and family are. The donations were extraordinary.�

For Robin, 58, the importance of supporting cancer research couldn’t be clearer.

“The scary thing about brain tumors is that there’s been one new medicine in 20 years,� she said.

Last April, Robin suddenly felt unwell at her job as an inpatient occupational therapist. She initially chalked it up to low blood sugar, but a colleague noticed she was having trouble recalling words, and they rushed to the ER.

An MRI revealed a brain tumor, later diagnosed as grade 4 astrocytoma. An astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor that grows from cells called astrocytes that provide supportive tissue in the brain. Grade 4 indicates an aggressive and fast-spreading tumor.

Robin has undergone a year of treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy, under the expert care of neuro-oncologist and scientist Serendipity Zapanta Rinonos, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the University of Florida Department of Neurosurgery.

A member of the and , Dr. Rinonos is the principal investigator for an , part of the at UF. It’s dedicated to harnessing epigenetics and molecular biological phenomena to develop innovative treatments for malignant brain tumors.

“We aim to provide the premier destination in Florida for compassionate, innovative patient care in neuro-oncology,� Dr. Rinonos said.

Robin credits physical activity with helping her through treatment so far. As an occupational therapist, she’s always led an active life � the mileage of the walking challenge didn’t faze her � and during treatment, she’s prioritized yoga and walking.

“It saves my sanity, for sure,� she said.

Robin also credits her tight-knit co-workers, friends and family, including her husband Sonny, son Connor, 27, and daughter Riley, 25. One close friend she met when their sons were in preschool has come to almost every appointment.

“I have two grown children, and that’s my motivation for everything � to stay as healthy and strong as I can,� she said.

Robin is enjoying the here and now. She recently traveled to Italy and Greece and enjoyed a reunion with old friends in Sarasota. She’s looking forward to her daughter’s graduation with a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from the Medical University of South Carolina next month. They'll celebrate with a trip to Grand Cayman.