Dear Friends,
I am taking on the challenge of running the 128th Boston Marathon in honor of my beloved father who lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when I was 19 years old. My dad was not only my parent but more importantly my best friend, and his journey through cancer deeply impacted my life. His infectious sense of humor, unwavering kindness, and genuine care for others made him one of the most remarkable people most of us have ever known. I've never seen anyone with such an upbeat and positive attitude during the darkest times. In fact, his transplant physician Dr. Soiffer chose him to talk at the Jimmy Fund Telethon in Fenway park on TV (pictured above)- where my father spoke about how magical Dana-Farber was.
It was during this trying period that my family and I witnessed the incredible dedication and expertise of the medical team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Their committment to compassionate care, groundbreaking research, and the relentless pursuit of a world without cancer left an indelible mark on my family's hearts.
Now, I want to give back and ensure that more families facing cancer receive the same exceptional care and support that my dad received. I am running the Boston Marathon to raise funds for Dana-Farber, an institution that holds a special place in my heart. Every step I take, every mile I run, is dedicated to the memory of my father and to all those who have battled or are currently battling this devastating disease.
Running this marathon in my father's name is not just something I want to do, but something I feel that I need to do.
Your support means the world to me, and together, we can make a difference. Please consider making a donation to Dana-Farber and joining me on this journey to honor my dad's legacy and support the incredible work they do.
Thank you for being a part of this special mission.
With gratitude and love,
Michaela
