I am running 26.2 miles in memory of my Aunt Nancy Wolfson, who lost her five-year long battle with ovarian and endometrial cancer in February 2007. Although my Auntie Nancy never married, she always considered me, my sister Lindsey, and my cousins Sara and Amanda as her own children. She was a role model, a second mom, a friend and a fighter. Of all the very important lessons that Auntie Nancy taught me, the most important one was how precious family is. With that, I learned that other things may change us in our lives, but we start and end with family. Auntie Nancy showed me how to love unconditionally and to each day remind the people in my life how much I love them and how much they mean to me.
I am also running in honor of my grandmother, Marion Wolfson, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2009. Fortunately, her cancer was found early, and with a positive outlook on the future, I am very thankful. My Grammie lives life a day at a time with both courage and determination, which are the same traits she passed on to my Auntie Nancy. Her genuine character displays a constant love for life and for everyone around her. Grammie is a kind-hearted, compassionate and strong individual, and most importantly, a very special grandmother.
My Auntie Nancy fought her battle with cancer until the very end. I am running in memory of the extraordinary person that she was and the incredible legacy she left. I do not know if I would have had as much time with my Auntie Nancy after her diagnosis if it were not for the Dana-Farber Cancer Insitute in Boston. For many reasons, especially this one, I am running with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team to raise money for the Claudia Adams Barr Program for Innovative Cancer Research. This is the same research that provided my Auntie Nancy with experimental treatments throughout her battle with her disease.
Neither of these stories about cancer are unique ones. Cancer attacks everyone around us – parents, loved ones, siblings, and children. In addition to running in memory of my Auntie Nancy and honor of Grammie, I am also running in honor of all your loved ones who are currently battling, have battled, or have unfortunately lost their fight to cancer.
I know many of you questioned my sanity last year for running 26.2 miles, and are wondering why I have decided to partake in this journey again. I know I will be faced with five months of crazy weather conditions, aching body parts, and feelings of uncertainty. But I also know what brought me to this point - Grammie and Auntie Nancy's love, determination and courage, and my goal to reach the the ultimate finish line: A World Without Cancer.
