I am incredibly honored to be running this year's Boston Marathon with Team Beans in honor of Francesca "Beans" Kaczynski. On April 18th, I will be joining hundreds of Dana-Farber runners and take to the streets to participate in the 126th Boston Marathon® with a mission to raise funding and awareness for pediatric cancer research.
Francesca is known for her deep brown eyes and a smile so bright that it was clear that she knew how much she is loved. At six months old, Francesca was diagnosed with Atypical Tetatoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT); a very aggressive form of brain cancer that typically occurs in little ones three and under. For 3 months, Francesca and her parents, Rachel and Andrew fought courageously. On December 25th, 2020 Andrew shared that Francesca passed on December 24th, Christmas Eve.
The reality is that we are failing these children.
Less than 4% of federal government cancer research funding goes to study pediatric cancer. We need to do better.
My ask is for your support as we head toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer. Will you consider joining me in this fight? One hundred percent of every dollar raised will support the Infant Brain Tumor Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer/Boston Children's Hospital. It is my hope that this research will lead to treatments developed and approved for pediatric brain cancer.
As I run from Hopkinton to Boston, I will carry Francesca in my heart every step of the way, running in her honor.
Thank you for your support!
