On August 18, hundreds of Dana-Farber runners, including myself, will participate in the 52nd running of the ASICS Falmouth Road Race! I am training to run 7-miles along Cape Cod’s scenic coastline, while raising critical funds that directly support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute patients and families, in New England and around the world.
Here is why I run:
A little over 5 years ago I could barely run around the block. I felt fat, out of shape and to be honest, a bit overwhelmed and disappointed in myself as a leader and a mother. I had put myself last on my priority list.
I took a first step to getting healthier by joining my family's gym, Regan's Motivated Fitness. The community created at the gym really set the tone for me to start my fitness journey,
workout by workout, one foot in front of the other.
Around the same time, my aunt Michelle got sick with cancer and I was so impressed with her resilience, positive attitude and mindset, that my poor attitude about my physical fitness seemed insignificant. I committed to an attitude of gratitude, which I now try to share with others and inspire others to do the same. What Michelle's battle with cancer has taught me is that "Each day is a gift" and I am going to make the best of each day, no matter what life brings me.
I got really lucky with the strong mom group who I run with weekly. We set goals, support each other and even more valuable than our physical fitness is our friendship and our conversations while we run. We solve all life's problems. My aunt Michelle did the same for me, being a listening ear and setting me straight when I needed that too.
This year, we, as a running group have had some significant personal set backs and for some time I didn't think I could do the run. However, Dana Farber reached out directly to me and stated that there was a spot on the team. I considered this a sign to get myself back out there and re-group, like we all need to do sometimes.
I am grateful for Team Power, who have invited us to join their team. Cara Donovan is one of my mom running mates and can attest to the amazing work at Dana Farber as a cancer survivor. I join Cara and her brothers who have been running Falmouth for years. This is my third run and I hope you will help me in exceeding my fundraising goals.
Every mile and each donation, no matter the size, supports The Dana-Farber Campaign, the Institute’s ambitious, multi-year fundraising effort, focused on supporting revolutionary research, extraordinary care, exceptional expertise, and other priorities, to help Dana-Farber accomplish its mission of preventing, treating, and defying cancer.
Thank you for your support! Together, we are helping Dana-Farber race toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.
