Team Beans New York City Marathon's Fundraising Page

Why are we running for Dana-Farber?

Because Francesca died of cancer, and every single day there is another child like her.

Even though Francesca, who we lovingly nicknamed Beans, is no longer with us, her legacy can endure through the funds raised to support the Infant Brain Tumor Program at Dana Farber.

From Beans' dad

Beans' story is one of courage and love. In September 2020, my world was forever altered when my six-month-old daughter Francesca was diagnosed with brain cancer. 

Francesca was an amazing girl who cherished napping on her dad during long walks and giggling at Sesame Street videos. Her infectious smile warmed the hearts of everyone she encountered. 

Despite the challenges she faced, Francesca remained bold, curious, and deeply loving.

Following her diagnosis, we relocated to Boston to give her the best possible care. The nurses and doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital became our second family, embracing Francesca with boundless affection. However, cancer cruelly stole Beans' life on Christmas Eve, leaving an irreplaceable hole in our hearts.

The outpouring of kindness from the people of Boston sustained us during our darkest days. From the compassionate nurses to the local restaurant that generously provided meals, their support remains etched in our heart.

Yet, the harsh reality persists—every day, another child faces a similar fate. Families are shattered by diagnoses, and many endure the agony of relapse. Regrettably, our society falls short in addressing the needs of these children. Due to the limited number of patients, private industries often overlook childhood cancers like brain cancer, leaving researchers and oncologists at Dana Farber to repurpose adult cancer drugs for pediatric cases. This endeavor is both arduous and costly, requiring years of research and millions of dollars.

However, there is hope. In 2021, our fundraising efforts amassed $1.85 million for the Infant Brain Tumor Program—a testament to the generosity and compassion of our supporters. Each dollar we raise is pivotal in advancing research and clinical trials, bringing us closer to breakthrough treatments that promise to spare families from the pain of loss and alleviate the suffering of young patients.