Hi, all! I am excited to announce that I was selected to join the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) team, and that I will be running the 129th Boston Marathon in April, in memory of my mom. As many of you know, my mom passed away on September 17, 2024, after the most courageous battle with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. The team at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) consulted with her local team throughout her cancer journey.
While watching the marathon together this past year, we discussed the possibility of me one day running the Boston Marathon, all while raising money for DFCI to go towards cancer research. My mom was my biggest supporter and she was so proud of my running journey. She would be so excited that I was selected for this amazing opportunity! Running has been really helpful as I navigate grief and I am so grateful to have this special way to honor her memory.
In honor of my mom, I have set a goal to raise $15,000. 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. Based on a rigorous and highly selective process, the program selects the brightest, most creative scientists and funds their most innovative ideas to propel basic research discoveries that transform cancer treatment. Claudia Adams Barr Program investigators have made tremendous advances and spearheaded breakthroughs that are improving care, quality of life, and survival for patients everywhere. For example, Dr. Fay Nicolson's research is focused on targeting the KRAS mutation (the same mutation my mom had) in Lung and Colorectal Tumors.
Thank you for your support! Together, we're headed toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.
