Commit To Something Higher

My run was different today. It was the first run I have gone on since committing to run the 2024 Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber in honor of my beloved friend, Jaime Hyde. Jaime lost her battle with cancer last year at the age of 34. God, I miss her.

Last year at Jaime’s service her brother spoke of her infamous bucket list. We all knew about it, even though Jaime would never talk about her cancer. She said it was boring and would much rather talk about other things. Instead we talked about the feisty girls in our lives, my daughters and her niece. We talked about our work and generally plotted to cause mischief when we were together. At any given conference we were sometimes caught in the coat closet sitting on the floor having snacks, missing whatever presentation that didn’t tickle our fancy to go to.

After Jaime’s service last year we were tasked with writing our own bucket list in her honor. A few weeks after her passing I was chatting with a friend and told her that running the Boston Marathon has always been on my bucket list. She then said, “I work for Dana-Farber remember, want to run on our team this year?” I could feel Jaime laugh and tell me to put my running shoes where my mouth is. Ever the truth teller she was, it is what made us friends.

So, here I am. Running shoes on. Fundraising goals set. Bucket list at the ready. Because, I don’t know about you lately, but the state of the world has me feeling pretty low. I deeply feel the need to commit to something higher than myself. To commit myself to higher love and purpose. To dance this holy dance of what it means to be alive.

Every park bench I ran by today I could feel Jaime’s spirit. Sitting there, having a snack, pointing at the path ahead, telling me to keep going. Telling me to get to it. To leave a legacy of love and a bit of sass is what she has reminded me to do, every day. For our girls, we must commit. I want to show them that things are possible. 

So, I hope you’ll join me in some way. To commit to something higher than yourself, in whatever way you choose. Maybe you’ll join me for a run. Hopefully you’ll consider donating to this beautiful cause. Honor your calling to something higher, and I’ll meet you there.

With love and gratitude,

Adrienne

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In 2024, hundreds of Dana-Farber runners will take to the streets to participate in the 128th Boston Marathon®. The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team runs and raises funds with thousands of special people in mind. From Hopkinton to Boston, we carry thoughts of those people every step of the way.
 
One hundred percent of every dollar raised by the DFMC team supports the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These funds are fueling some of today's most promising basic cancer research.
 
Thank you for your support! Together, we're headed toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.