My name is Nick Cannone and I have the incredible opportunity to participate in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge and run the 129th Boston Marathon. I could not be more excited to run for such an amazing organization.
I am running this year's marathon in honor of my Papa, Donald Heath. My Papa first began receiving care from Dana Farber for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the early 90's. The groundbreaking research and cutting treatment that he received at Dana Farber, combined with his immense strength, prolonged his battle with cancer to over 25 years until it ultimately took him in early 2018. I am eternally grateful to Dana Farber, as I know that without them my time with my Papa would have been cut even shorter and I would not have been able to share so many milestones and memories with him.
My Papa loved Dana Farber. I will never forget just how excited he was to parade me around and introduce me to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff that he had gotten to know over the years each time that I would accompany him to a treatment - a true testament to how special this place is.
I know that my Papa will be alongside me cheering me on for the entirety of the 26.2, just as he did at virtually every single one of my hockey or football games growing up. One hundred percent of every dollar raised 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.
