Running my first marathon in Boston has been a distant dream. In fact much of what I have accomplished athletically over the past year and a half has been something that I never imagined possible. But having my kids changed me, changed me to strive for goals deep within myself for myself. Wanting to set an example of a healthy lifestyle as well as show them that even the hardest things are possible.
In April this marathon dream of mine is becoming a reality, but running with Dana-Farber holds a much deeper meaning. 💙
In July of 2016, my childhood best friend’s father lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. A man taken from this earth far too soon, due to a cancer that has no cure. George was a selfless man who made a forever impact in my heart, no family should have to go through what the Gourgiotis family did. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is striving to find that cure. So that no family has to experience a loss like his.
In April I will be running for the Gourgiotis Family, in honor snd remembrance of George.
In April I will also be running for;
The Derohanian Family, in honor of Marilyn, who lost her battle to breast cancer on 2017
The Cavanaugh/Pantalleresco Family in honor of Jo, who lost her battle to brain and bladder cancer in 2007.
For all families who have lost a loved one to cancer as well as current fighters and all survivors.
I will be running for the future of my three children, raising money for a solution to a problem that I pray they will never need.
Most importantly I will be running for a special friend and breast cancer survivor, Allie.
This marathon is more than just a race. It's a mission to create a world where families reach more victories both big and small. Where every person has the chance to find stregth, hope and healing rather than fear.
100% of each dollar rated by the Dana-Farmer Marathon Challenge supports the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research, working toward groundbreaking discoveries that can change lives and made differences in families.
This April I’ll be hitting the streets of Boston to run for this incredible cause. But I can’t do it alone—I need your support to raise as 15k. Every dollar counts.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can move closer to a world without cancer.
With Love,
Sam
