It took me a while to write a blog post this year. I think I based a lot of this on the fact that I did not know how to say to everyone that I wanted them to donate to cancer research for yet another year after my aunt had passed away. If you think about it from a rational point of view (or at least a legalese rationalization) - my aunt had passed. She lost her battle. I ran last year in her memory and raised almost 12k. But here I am again - still honoring her memory. Financially, it was tough. I recognized this. I knew that it was tough to keep asking for people to donate to honor the memory of someone who although I love more than anything, I could not bring back.
But I know my Auntie Nancy and know that she would want me to continue running so that others don't suffer the way she suffered in the end of her battle. I know that I, personally, do not want anyone else to experience what my family and my Auntie's close friends experienced in the months prior to her passing. I know she would be grateful that I am continuing to honor her memory, but also am running so that others can have a fighting chance against this disease.
So this year - I reminded myself why I am doing this. I am running for all those out there who are still fighting cancer...I truly believe scientific research is incredible and that the Dana-Farber researchers have made incredible progress towards finding a cure with their research. Many DFCI researchers have spoke with the runners at our runners meetings. They reminded the DFMC runners that the money we raise counts and we are getting closer...but are not there yet.
I am proud to say that I am running in honor of two DFCI patients - one being 6 year old Jaden Cabrera, who is in remission. The other - my friend Inbal's father, Guy Alon, who is battling multiple myeloma with more optimism than I thought could be imagined in the normal person.
This Elle Woods is not a science person - in fact, when the researchers explain the sciencey side of cancer to us runners, I sit there hearing noises that Charlie Brown hears when adults speak to him. Despite this, I know they are making progress and that progress is obvious. I am physically able to run 26.2 miles (no matter how insane it may seem to the average person). So, this is my contribution to finding a cure. I'll keep running til I physically cannot anymore knowing that with every step from Hopkinton to Copley that I take, we are getting one step closer to the ultimate finish line.
Donate here.
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