The Boston Marathon holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. My love for running developed after I moved to Boston, a true city of runners. I would run the Charles River after work several times a week and participate in 5K races on the weekends with my friends...yes, mostly for the free beer after. Right, AMG?
On April 15, 2013 my now husband, Jimmy was running Boston for the first time with Dana-Farber. We all know the events that took place that year and how it changed Boston forever, a city so strong, and so passionate about its community, especially its sports, became even stronger. The city rallied together, like nothing I have ever experienced. Boston was a force to be reckoned with. While Jimmy didn't quite finish that year (he was stopped at mile 21), he went on to finish it the next year. He wanted to run the Marathon one more time so in 2015 he set off again, this year with another goal in mind...he planned to propose at the finish line! The stomach flu had other plans for him so unfortunately he didn't get to finish however his plan to propose did make it to the finish line (picture captured above). Jimmy told one of the race volunteers his plan, she gave him a medal and said "here, you are getting engaged, you are finished anyway"!
Each year as I watch all the participants of the Boston Marathon, I am in awe and filled with emotion as each runner stride by stride makes their way to the finish line. Each year, I say to myself “I have to do this”. For me the time is now, I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life, I have the courage and strength to take on this challenge. In high school just seeing the track gave me anxiety, I couldn’t complete a single lap. Today, I love nothing more than putting on my running sneakers, a fun play list and taking off. Will it be easy? No! Will it be worth it? Absolutely!
I feel truly honored to be given this opportunity. Cancer hits too close to home for us all. Jimmy and I are both very lucky to be able to say both our Father's are cancer survivors. Not everyone is so lucky. My Grandfather was not so lucky. Raising money for Dana-Farber is something I can do to make a difference and to ensure invaluable research continues until one day anyone who is diagnosed with Cancer can say "I am one of the lucky ones".
On April 15, 2024, hundreds of Dana-Farber runners will take to the streets to participate in the 128th Boston Marathon®. 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. Every little bit counts.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support! See you at the finish line!
Boston Strong
Katie
