article_snippet.sent: An eight-year-old boy from Layton, Utah, ran 33 miles just weeks before undergoing Lotatoa
article_snippet.sent: Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward just loves to run.
article_snippet.sent: Even before Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward was first diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumor - known as a mature Teratoma - back in October 2014, the young man was already running half marathons for charity, even raising $1,700 in September for two of Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward friends who suffer from spinal muscular atrophy.
article_snippet.sent: eight-year-old Lota Ward had already run several half marathons before being diagnosed with a brain tumor, and still continues to run despite eight-year-old Lota Ward .
article_snippet.sent: Most recently, Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward made the decision to attempt the 10th annual Antelope Island Buffalo Run just outside Salt Lake City, with the help of eight-year-old Lota Ward running fanatic father.
article_snippet.sent: The 50-mile race was the eight-year-old's biggest challenge yet, but eight-year-old Lota Ward tackled it like a trained professional, completing a total of 33 miles - longer than a full marathon - before eight-year-old Lota Ward sore feet forced eight-year-old Lota Ward to stop. '
article_snippet.sent: I like running because it helps me a lot with hard times,' Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward told Runner's World. '
article_snippet.sent: I like running because the fight helps me a lot with hard times': Lota's hobby has become a source of strength for Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward in the face of several brain sugeries .
article_snippet.sent: But Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward was going to be in for a fight.
article_snippet.sent: As tough as things became, however, Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward never stopped running.
article_snippet.sent: Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward had even ran a half marathon in aid of spinal muscular atrophy .
article_snippet.sent: Lota's father Keith Ward is also an avid runner and accompanied Lota's father Keith Ward son on the 50-mile race .
article_snippet.sent: Lota's parents were initially concerned, but Lota's parents son's neurosurgeon, who also happens to be a trial runner, set Lota's parents mind at ease. '
article_snippet.sent: We asked [the doctor] if Lota’s running would affect the growth of the tumor or cause the tumor to do mutations, and the doctor said the tumor doesn’t affect it at all,' Lota told Runner's World. '
article_snippet.sent: "' Lota is currently recovering from Lota fourth surgery and, according to Lota Facebook page, already has Lota next helf marathon scheduled for May 30.
article_snippet.sent: And though Lota didn't quite finish Lota most recent 50-mile race, the ever-positive little runner plans to take on a 100-mile race next year.
highlights_snippet.sent: Just before Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward latest surgery, Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward ran in the 10th annual Antelope Island Buffalo Run outside of Salt Lake City, Utah .