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Ocala resident Robin Feagle has done something truly remarkable: She completed the American Brain Tumor Association鈥檚 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鈥檚 mission to accelerate brain tumor research and expand educational and emotional support programs.

鈥淭he funny part was, you had to set a goal, and I put $300,鈥� Robin said. 鈥淢y mom goes, 鈥極h Robin, that鈥檚 ridiculous.鈥� I had no idea how crazily generous all my friends and family are. The donations were extraordinary.鈥�

For Robin, 58, the importance of supporting cancer research couldn鈥檛 be clearer.

鈥淭he scary thing about brain tumors is that there鈥檚 been one new medicine in 20 years,鈥� 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鈥檚 dedicated to harnessing epigenetics and molecular biological phenomena to develop innovative treatments for malignant brain tumors.

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

Robin credits physical activity with helping her through treatment so far. As an occupational therapist, she鈥檚 always led an active life 鈥� the mileage of the walking challenge didn鈥檛 faze her 鈥� and during treatment, she鈥檚 prioritized yoga and walking.

鈥淚t saves my sanity, for sure,鈥� 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.

鈥淚 have two grown children, and that鈥檚 my motivation for everything 鈥� to stay as healthy and strong as I can,鈥� 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鈥檚 looking forward to her daughter鈥檚 graduation with a master鈥檚 degree in biomedical sciences from the Medical University of South Carolina next month. They'll celebrate with a trip to Grand Cayman.