Striving to reach $100,000 by April 12th to Support Innovative Cancer Research at Dana Farber

Time stops for no one. It has been well over a year since I have blogged. In this space and time, there have been many miles logged, funds raised, lessons learned and love ones lost. Along the way, it seems I feel out of the habit of documenting it through this blog.  It is so hard to believe that this will be my 6^th Boston Marathon as a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team running in honor of Josh, Matty and so many others.  We are now just 43 days away from the Marathon. Time stops for no one. Yet we continue to work towards our goal- a world without cancer.

When I applied to the team back in August of 2011, I never imagined that this team and raising funds for innovative cancer research would become such a core of who I am and what I do. When I first applied, I remember being so nervous about fundraising. I had never done it. Joining the team began as a way to my dear friend Matt’s nephew, Josh, who had lost his battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma the year before. My desire to honor his courageous battle far outweighed any worries I had about fundraising. Just like the training, I took it one step at a time. Now as I enter year 6, I am chasing down a fundraising milestone achievement of $100,000. WOW! It is the great reminder of all that is possible when we are willing to step up, continue to show up, and ask others to help and support along the way.  Raising funds would not be possible without the love and support of so many friends, family and coworkers. So I want to begin with gratitude for all those who have stayed with me on this journey. Together we are making an incredible impact. We have lots of reminders why funding this research is so important. Each year more names are added to my shirt and the shirts of my teammates. This is why I keep coming back. We can and must do more.

 

 

Fundraising update:

With just 43 days to go, I have $8,191 posted to my fundraising page. This means I am $11,102 away from reaching the milestone of $100,000. The amazing thing about our collective achievement is that 100% of funds go directly to supporting innovative cancer research and that is having a direct impact on patients currently in treatment while working towards the ultimate goal of a world without cancer.

A quick summary of my fundraising:

2012:  $15,585

2013:  $15,450

2014:  $15,979

2015: $15,850

2016:  $17,843

2017: $8,191 (as of March 5^th)

Total: $88,898 (as of March 5^th)

Staying the course- A sustained commitment

We dream a world without cancer and we are willing to work relentlessly to help make that dream a reality. We believe that a world without cancer is possible, but requires funding to support innovative research.  It is that simple. My teammates and those who support us know far too well the pains of a cancer diagnosis, the treatment, and the enormity of the pain and loss that results from living in a world where a cure is not always possible. So we do what we can. We run. We ask for donations. We flood our Facebook feeds with pleas to support our efforts. We share the stories of so many of our heroes who continue to the fight and those who have earned their angel wings. We stay the course. This is how I arrived at my 6^th year. I am surrounded by inspirational teammates, some who are in their first year and others who are entering the 20^th year on our team.  Together we can do great things. Together we can work towards a world without cancer. We must step up, continue to show up and ask for support along the way. So once again, I ask…will you continue with me on this journey and help me reach the $100,000 milestone. Together we can crush this goal! Check out the video if you have not seen it from our team run last week. It is why I do what do.

 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/02/25/boston-marathon-warm-weather-training-superhero/

With gratitude and many inspired miles to go!

 Kerry D

Who do I want to be? I want to do my part. I want to be a light.

Who do you want to be? This is a question I ask myself often. I recognize that I am defined by both my words and my actions.  Training to run a marathon and fundraising to support innovative cancer research with my DFMC teammates reminds me that I make the choice of who I want be each and every day. It is not always easy. It is also the reminder that words, while important, are often easier than action. I have been thinking about this quite a bit on my training runs, my solo runs on the treadmill and when I ask family, friends and coworkers to continue to support our collective efforts to fund research aimed at world without cancer. I think just about everyone I know dreams of or at least desires a world without cancer. This is where I ask the question-who do I want to be? I know I want to be part of making that dream a reality and therefore, the question has been translated into- what am I willing to do? My teammates, our dedicated volunteers and our many supporters provide great inspiration. 

One of my greatest reminders and calls to actions comes in my mom’s words as I leave the house most days, when she smiles and says “be a light.”  These three simple words have taken the place of what is often said “have a good day.” While I am sure she wants me to have a good day, the real wisdom in her words is that with each day comes a call to action and it is in our response that the day’s destiny takes shape. If I see myself as a light and choose to be one in my interactions with others throughout my day, it is likely to be a good day and if not, I can help to make a difficult day, bearable.

Over the past few years I have been fortunate enough to travel several times to Europe. I have spent time in France, Germany and Italy. One of the experiences that impacted me the most was standing still in silence in great cathedrals inspired by and in awe of the architecture that took hundreds of years to build. In the 21^st century it is difficult to comprehend working on anything that doesn’t provide more immediate gratification from the fruits of our labor. This causes great pause for me. I find myself amazed of all the progress we have made with technology and wonder what the builders, engineers, and scientists of centuries ago would think of the incredible advances of today. In the same pensive pause, my mind travels and recognizes that we still have so much work to do to support greater advances in medical research. In spite of all the advances of the 21^st century, there are days I feel like we are like the builders of ancient times when it comes to fighting diseases such as cancer. We keep plugging away and doing our part. We run and raise funds with the help of supportive family and friends to support the innovative research of some of the brightest researchers the world knows hoping and believing that someday a cure will be upon us. It is in the continued efforts that we all decide who we want to be and what we are willing to do.

My mom and me in front of the Cathedral in Colonge, Germany

It is 6am on a Saturday in early February. It is cold, raining and expected to turn to snow. As I sip my coffee and begin to prepare for my 14 mile DFMC team training run, my mind starts to race with many excuses of why I should stay home. Some make great sense. It is amazing how we can convince ourselves just about anything and how hard it can be to ignore that inner voice that wants you to surrender. On the particular Saturday I am thinking of, it was especially hard because even once I was ready to go with a little inspiration from my friend Sandy, I had an hour car ride in the pouring rain. “Who do you want to be?” and “what are you willing to do?” are the questions I asked myself as I drove to Newton. My answer was a resounding; I want to be someone who shows up. I want to be someone who sees the challenge and says let me help. I want to be someone who runs on days even when I may not feel like it because I am running for a reason so much larger than myself. I want to work hard to support a world without cancer even though at times it seems miles and years away from meeting that goal because too many people I know have been impacted by this horrible disease. As a member of the DFMC team, I am in good company. After an hour drive in the pouring rain, I am greeted by smiling teammates and volunteers. The cold, rain, and snow do not seem so bad when we are together. You see my teammates and the volunteers are what I aspire to be, a light. When we are together, the conditions of the day become part of the backdrop and become part of what makes us stronger. It is with my teammates that I believe the cathedral is possible.

 Four years ago, when I first joined the team to honor my friend Matt’s nephew Josh, I was not sure I would be able to raise the $5,000 minimum required. As I enter my 5^th year on the team, with your help, I have surpassed $70,000 raised to support innovative cancer research in Josh’s memory and the memory of Matty and so many other friends and family members. I stand still in silence and in awe of the collective power that exists when we all continue to show up and step up in the ways we can. Progress is made when we continue brick by brick, mile by mile, and dollar by dollar to contribute and to be a part of the change we desire.  This is who we are and who I want to continue to be. You continue to show me this.  Even on dark days I want to be a light. Being a member of the Dana Farber Marathon challenge Team has proven to be one of my greatest lessons helping me to be the person who I want to be. We do hard things and we do them together. I am inspired by my teammates, the volunteers and our many supporters. Together anything is possible and collectively we are a bright light. We are closing in on $8,000 towards my yearly goal of $15,000. Thank you for being on this journey with me. 

With many inspired miles to go!

Kerry D

Reflections as I enter my 5th year as a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team

I cannot believe I have started my 5^th year of training for the Boston Marathon as a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team. I hope to be much better with training and blogging this year as last year was challenging to say the least. The good news is that even though last year was challenging on all fronts, with your help we raised $15,850. A big heartfelt thanks to all those who have continued to support my run and in doing so, support and fund the amazing research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  I am pleased to say I am off to a great start this year. I have already raised over $3,000 and I am stronger and healthier than I have been in past years. 2016 will be a great year!

Boston Marathon 2012-April 16, 2012

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was just starting my journey with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team. I was so honored to be selected to join the team. At the time I was unaware just how much this team, the training and fundraising would become such part of my life, especially during the months of December through April. My initial reason for running was simple. I wanted to honor the memory of a little boy named Josh. Most of you know that Josh is my dear friend Matt’s nephew who lost his battle to Ewing Sarcoma in 2010 at the age of 12. As a friend, I witnessed the unimaginable pain and grief that his family had no choice but to endure and continues to endure. Those who have experienced loss know that grief is something that lingers leisurely with each passing day leaving more reminders of the loss with little relief. As a friend, I wanted him to know that while time was passing, I was aware of the enormity of the loss that was present in each day and event that Josh was not here to experience.

Boston Marathon 2012 Finish Line with Matt-1st Year with DFMC

When I realized that the 2012 Boston Marathon would fall on April 16^th which was the second anniversary of Josh’s passing,  I knew that running and raising funds in his memory would  be a small way to honor his courage and his memory while also taking action against the horrible disease that took his life-cancer. My friend Sandy, who had lost her son Matty and who had run with DFMC, convinced me I could and should do it. This sealed the deal for me.  My mind was made up and I ran with DFMC for both Josh and Matty and so many others. 4 years, 4 marathons and $63,000 later I am still at it putting one foot in front of the other and asking for donations to support one thing- a world without cancer.

Mile 25-DFMC Cheering Section Boston Marathon 2014

As many of you know, the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team raises funds to support innovative cancer research and 100% of the funds raised goes directly to support research. Over the past years I have learned that while we all want a cure for cancer that it is only by funding innovative research that we will someday have a cure for this terrible disease.  I continue to run to honor Josh, Matty and so many people who I have come to know and learn about on this journey. I used to pray and hope for a cure and I still do this.  However, over the past four years I have learned to put my prayers into action and so I run and raise funds. I have learned that real hope is experienced in the sustaining commitment of so many family, friends and coworkers who continue to join and support our collective effort to run and raise funds to fight this disease.

 As I enter my 5^th year as a proud member of the DFMC Team and I officially kick off my training season, I wanted to share a few thoughts/reflections on both the mystery and the magic I have experienced.
 

 Cancer is a horrific disease that touches the lives of so many of us. No surprise here.  I knew this when I started, but now I REALLY know this. I have come to realize that I know more people with a cancer story than without one and this is probably true for many of us. I have also learned that those who have not been impacted by cancer are likely to be impacted at some point in their life time.  Throughout my training I have met and been inspired by some of the most amazing people. This includes my teammates and friends, colleagues and coworkers, acquaintances and even strangers who have shared their stories with me simply because I run for DFMC. These are stories of courage and compassion, tragedy and triumph, love and loss and more love.  This is my continued inspiration and why running one marathon has turned into 5 marathons with this amazing team. It is a constant, continued call to action that requires no reminders.

 We all have the ability to make a difference in our world. We must choose to take action in the ways which we are able and when we do, anything is possible. Four years ago when I first joined DFMC I was excited about be a part of such an amazing effort but at the same time I was worried about being able to raise the funds. I wondered how I was ever going to raise $8,000. I took it one run and one ask at a time. I was in awe of all the people who stepped up with their support and encouragement and who continue to do so. For the past 4 years I have raised over $15,000 each year for a total of over $63,000. I had no idea just how collectively powerful we could be. We all step up and we raise A LOT of MONEY!  100% of the money raised goes directly to fund research aimed at the ultimate goal- a world without cancer. Collectively we are making a huge difference! Some have asked why I continue to run and suggest that “someone else will run and raise the funds.”  This is true yet my response is the same. I can’t imagine not running.  All I need to do is give 18 weeks of training and $15,000 of much needed funds are raised. The funds are raised because of the generous support of many! Yet, the need is still great.  I feel like the traveler in Frost’s poem with “miles to go before I sleep.”  I pause and try to imagine a world if we all stepped up and took action in ways in which we are able.  I wonder if we realize how powerful we can be if we just simply show up and step up.  I will continue to run because I can and as a result I am hoping to raise another $15,000 or more this year. I hope you will continue to step up with me. Together, I believe anything is possible. It has to be. There are too many names on my shirt and one name is too many.

The Back of my 2015 DFMC Singlet

 

We can do hard things. I am reminded each and every day of the human capacity to endure. I am reminded this through the many people I know that have lived with cancer, beaten cancer and those who continue to face the struggles related to cancer and the wreckage it leaves behind. Training for a running a marathon is hard but it pales in comparison to the sort of “hard” that many face. My teammates and I are inspired by the people for whom we run and fueled by the funds we raise.  Raising $15,000 is hard but is so possible when everyone contributes in the way they can. Finding a cure for cancer is hard. We all need to do our part. I believe we can do hard things. Just look around. People do them each and every day. Will you join me once again in doing our part to imagine a world without cancer? Funding innovative research is how we get there.  We are a powerful force; one mile and one dollar at a time.

In closing, my wish for this holiday season is that we all continue to find ways to experience the mystery and magic of being active agents of positive change in our world. As my friend Jake says, “you can give your time, talent or treasure.”  Our world is need of all of these things. It is by giving in the ways which we are able that we begin to create the world we seek.

 With gratitude and many inspired miles to go,

 Kerry D

http://www.runDFMC.org/2016/kerryd

DFMC 2015-Many Inspired Miles

Saturyday, January 17, 2015
It has been a while since I have blogged. Today, I feel so inspired after spending my morning with such an amazing group of people-my DFMC team. This training season is really gearing up so it is time that I step it up a few notches. I cannot believe I am entering my 4^th year as a member of this amazing team and collective effort working towards a world without cancer.  I have promised myself that I am going to be better with both my training and blogging this year. The greatest challenge with this is not the actual running or writing; it is finding or making the time for these things. Time seems to always move to quickly and like many I struggle with the increasing challenges of getting in everything within the context of days and weeks that simply seem to be overloaded. It may not be perfect, but I will be better. Today I logged 13.5 miles in 10 degree weather with my teammates some who are first time marathon runners and who are new to the team. Today was a great day!

Megan, Kerry (me) and Patrick

Fundraising Update

I typically like to begin with a fundraising update. I am a bit slow out of the gate this year yet I am still pleased to have raised $4,475. I am still $10,525 away from my goal of $15,000. So many people have jumped right back in with me for a 4^th year and I am so grateful. I couldn’t do this without you. Each year I have set the audacious goal of raising $15,000 and each year we have exceeded that. Thank you! With you help, I have raised close to $48,000 and last year our collective team raised over 8 million dollars. While it is hard to ask year after year, I will continue to do so because each year I learn of more people that we know and love who are facing this terrible disease. I also learn of those who are benefitting from the amazing progress that is being made as a result of the cutting edge research our team raises funds to support. We can and we must continue to work towards a cure. I hope you will continue to support me in whatever way you can.

Energy

Most of my blogs end up as random musing of my thinking about running and my experience with DFMC. This past week I found myself thinking a lot about energy. Perhaps because I felt as if mine was depleted. Early in the week I was sick. This made sense. Who has energy when they are sick? This is somewhat of a challenge especially when training for a marathon. In addition to physical   energy which is required for running and so many other things, I also feel as if I have been very aware of the energy that I experience from others and the impact it has on me. In particular, when I am with the DFMC team and amazing volunteers I feel as if I have the energy to do what otherwise I may have thought impossible. It is here that I must admit, I have never taken a Physics class and while science intrigues me, it is mostly the ideas that emerge that create great pause and wonder for me. In Physics, energy is a property of objects which is transferable among them via fundamental interactions and which can be converted into different forms but cannot be created or destroyed. While this may not have made sense to me before, and my interpretation may raise the eyebrow of a physicist, I feel like I get it. Well, sort of. The idea that I find most intriguing is the transfer of energy. 

When I arrive on a Saturday for a team run with my DFMC I am fueled by the energy of so many. “We” becomes so much more than “me.” It is my inspiring teammates who run in honor and memory of so many. It is the courage and strength of so many for whom I run who facing this terrible disease. It is the volunteers who brave the cold because they too have had cancer touch their lives. They are not only supporting us, but honoring those they love. For some, like my friend Sandy, they are there to honor those who they have lost. Sandy lost her son Matty and honors his memory by sharing stories of his bravery and courage each week. I know for sure that Matty has provided the energy for many of us to get over the hills that seem insurmountable or at least to make it to his mom’s water stop which is usually at a greater distance than we want to run. We do it anyway. It is those like my friend Lauren, who has now volunteered two weeks in a row (in the cold), who are there because of their connection to Dana Farber. Lauren’s dad is in treatment at Dana Farber so while she is there for us with water, Gatorade and snacks, she honors her dad and provides the added inspiration. It is the energy transferred by so many that makes this all possible.

Lauren & Sandy-How could we not run to see these amazing friends who brave the cold.  

What does all this teach me? At the very core my team and my experience with DFMC reminds me that we have this amazing ability to transfer energy to others. I know this primarily as the recipient of so much great energy and as someone who feels responsible for giving back as much as I can. I am also taught by teammates that the energy we give is often a choice. We can feel powerless to cancer or we can join forces and fight the good fight. We do this by logging our miles and sharing our stories. Today I ran my last few miles with my teammate Tom who is celebrating 20 years cancer free. Like many of us, he is there because he believes in the amazing work that is being done there. He also shared that he is literally with us because of the amazing work at Dana Farber. That was all I needed to get me through my last 3 miles. We experience this energy and are fueled by others.  In turn, we push ourselves to do more than we think we can whether it be when we are hitting the pavement or inviting others to join our efforts raising money to fund and to fuel the innovative work that is being done at Dana Farber with the ultimate goal-a world without cancer. Will you join me and be part of this amazing effort? Here is the link to my Fundraising page http://www.runDFMC.org/2015/kerryd

 With Gratitude,

Kerry D

Boston Marathon 2015- Here We Come!

 

It’s Official….I will be running the Boston Marathon as a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team again in April 2015. It is amazing how one simple decision can cause a ripple effect and forever change us. For me, it was the summer of 2011 when my journey with Dana Farber and the Boston Marathon began. I was looking for a way to honor the passing of my dear friend Matt’s nephew. As a friend, I felt completely helpless as I watched Matt struggle as he and his family cared for Josh with such love knowing that there was nothing they could do to stop this horrible disease. It was a collective courage that was required of a pain so great that no family should have to find the strength to face. I had been running with my friend Sandy who suggested I apply to run with Dana Farber. For those of you that know Sandy, she has a way of inspiring us to do more as she does so much! She had run with Dana Farber after losing her son, who many of you know and have been inspired by-Matty.

This is where my story with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge begins. It begins with friendship and moving from feeling powerless to working relentlessly to do what I can so that someday families will not have to find the strength and courage to face the unimaginable. Like Sandy, I am not convinced that I am a “real runner” or that I even like to run long distances. However, in three short years, by making the decision to run with Dana Farber, I have raised approximately $47,000 and last year alone, our collective team total exceeded 8 million dollars. There is a lot to like about those numbers. The primary goal of the researchers at Dana Farber and for those of us who support their efforts by lacing up our sneakers and raising funds is working towards a world without cancer. Each year when I run, I add the names of those impacted by cancer to my shirt. Each year there are more names added and there are loved ones to whom we have said good bye to soon. So I will continue to run and I will continue to ask for your support for such important work as fighting cancer.

Moving from Darkness to Light

The winter is not the greatest time to train for a marathon, especially in New England. However, in some ways this adds to the larger metaphor of what we are doing.  Many of us begin our training shortly after Thanksgiving. As we enter the holiday season, it is not just a time to be thankful; it is also a time to “give thanks.” For me, mapping out and organizing my life to prepare to run a marathon is one of the ways that I “give thanks.” It is a way that I can do my part to making the world a better place, one step at a time. It is also one of the darkest times of the year. It is amazing to me how this also adds to the larger metaphor. Cancer is a huge darkness in many lives. There is no denying that. It is a horrible disease and many of us know this all too well. However, what I have learned from so many on my journey with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team is that even in our darkest days we can choose to seek and move towards light and this is just what we do. So as we gear up for another training season and make our ways from the dark days of December to April 20, 2015, I hope you will once again join me on this journey and support me in whatever ways you can! Each and every donation brings us closer to reaching the ultimate goal-A world without cancer. Here is the link to my fundraising page http://www.runDFMC.org/2015/kerryd.

Also, for anyone reading this…my good friend Sandy will be hosting a Blood Drive for Children’s Hospital tomorrow in Dracut. If you are in the area please stop by…these are the many ways we can make a difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Gratitude,

Kerry D

The Countdown to the Boston Marathon 2014 Begins

I am not sure where this training season has gone. We are now just 21 days away from the running of the Boston Marathon 2014 and I cannot believe I have only posted twice to my blog. I am not sure if life has simply been too busy to write or if in some way the emotional journey back to Boylston Street has created a bit of writers block. It is probably a little bit of both. However, after yesterday’s training run with my DFMC teammates, I feel compelled to try to capture in words all that I experienced and continue to experience on this journey. I will first start with the fundraising update because after all, this is why I run. As of today, we have $9,523 posted to my fundraising page. This is $5,098 more than when I last posted in January. I am so grateful for the continued support in my efforts to raise funds for Dana Farber. Together we are making a huge difference. We still have a way to go! I am just over $5000 away from my goal of $15,000. I am confident that if everyone who is able does what they can, we will get there. 

 Why I Continue to Run

Many of you know I began running with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team as a way to honor my dear friend, Matt’s nephew who had lost his courageous battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Josh would be 16 this year. I wanted so much to do something in honor of Josh and my friend Matt and his family. My good friend and running buddy, Sandy Dubuc suggested I run for Dana Farber. Sandy and her husband Johnny had run with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team just one year after losing their son Matty. On our many runs I had learned so much about Matty, the Dubuc Family’s courage, compassion and resilience and how the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team was working hard to raise funds to support cutting edge research with one main goal- a world without cancer. I knew this was something that I needed to do. Disclaimer: I really had no desire to run a marathon again, I was incredibly nervous about fundraising, and did not know anyone else who would be running. For those that know Sandy, she has this way of inspiring others through her own actions. Without too much thought, I submitted my application and was later accepted onto the team. And so it began...

2014 Boston Marathon Singlet

 In 2012 I met some of the most amazing people. I learned a lot about the commitment and compassion required to make the world a better place it both words and actions. I learned that we are often stronger than we think we are. I learned that there is a space beyond the “wall” or whatever obstacle or challenge lies in front of us even if we are not able to see it. I learned that things worth doing are often hard and we should do them anyway. I realized that we are often the ones to set limits on ourselves and what we think is possible and that when we learn to push this capacity we discover endless possibilities. I learned that challenges are opportunities to get stronger. I realized that when people come together and work towards a common goal-we can make the world a better place. I was also reminded that while we may not always have control over what happens to us, how we respond is always our choice. To my surprise, I ran in record heat and raised over $15,000. While, I only intended on running once with Dana Farber, I realized the collective power of the funds I could raise by simply committing to train and run the marathon. For as many lives that have been devastated by Cancer’s destruction, I also know that the work at Dana Farber is drastically improving the treatment, care and survival rates of those battling cancer. How could I not return and do my part? I chose to continue to be part of this powerful effort.

Back at It…

Year two (2013) with Dana Farber was a challenging training season. I was sick several times and it was a struggle. I had issues with my IT band and quite frankly I often thought there has got to be an easier way. However, I was so aware of the luxury of such an idea. Families dealing with Cancer cannot simply choose to not have fighting Cancer be part of their every day. I did not have to look far for the reminders of the many people around me that deal with Cancer each and every day. A dose of perspective and I continued with what I could do. I ran and raised funds and I ran some more and continued to ask for support. It was not always pretty and most often it was not. I was driven by one thing…raising funds to support Cancer Research. Once again, I (with the help of many) raised over $15,000 for a total of over $30,000 raised in two short years.

April 15, 2013 is a day I will never forget.  I was lucky. I was not injured and did not have an immediate family members or friends injured. However, I will never forget what it was like to be trapped by fear of knowing bombs had gone off and not being able to reach my loved ones. I remember the sounds of sirens, the hands of strangers who reached out to help, the many first responders and volunteers who did whatever they could to make those of us out on the course feel safe. I knew I had to return. As I wrote in my post a few days following the 2013 Boston Marathon, “I will return to run the Boston Marathon in 2014 as a member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team, not because I need to finish the 26.2 miles or because I want a medal but because I believe that goodness always wins over evil and this is how we do it. As the week went on I realized how very lucky I was. I will honor those who were not as lucky by letting this experience soften my heart rather than harden it. I will move from the feeling of being touched by terror to the memory of being touched by tenderness by so many who with courage and compassion showed the best of our humanity. I too will work to show the best of humanity in all that I do.”

Back at it again…Boston Strong 2014

Yesterday, we logged our last and longest training run of the season. It was a 20-22 mile run along the marathon course starting at Boston College and running out to Natick and back. This is a great simulation of the actual marathon because we hit the hills of Newton at just about the same mileage as we do the day of the marathon.  My training buddy Steve and I did just shy of 22 miles and for the most part felt good. The inspiration on the course carried us. 

Be Good. Be Strong. Don't Stop Believing.

Our team run started with a talk from my dear friend Sandy, who surrounded by her family, told Matty’s story and how cancer had and continues to impact their entire family. Sandy asked us to focus our attention on the siblings of those battling Cancer and who have lost their lives to Cancer because as Sandy says “cancer is a family journey.” She reminded us of the many things that Chris and Zachery have had to face while Matty battled Cancer and how they continue to face life without their brother Matty. Sandy also recognized my teammate Jennie Sheridan, who lost three of her siblings to Cancer. Jennie runs in their memory and like the Dubuc's works hard to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research. The main message in Sandy’s talk included Jennie’s family’s “Be Good. Be Strong” and Team Matty’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” It is important to note that Sandy is out there every Saturday morning to volunteer throughout the cold of the winter. She is so inspiring!

Steve, Matty, Kerry and Sandy: Wearing our blue!

 Once out on the course, you could not help but feel inspired. There were thousands of runners out there getting in their final long run before the Marathon. There were many high fives exchanged. The words of encouragement shared by strangers as they ran by saying “you got this”, “way to go Dana Farber” or simply “nice job!” The many volunteers who held signs that read “Boston Strong” and who had water stops. The Dana Farber Volunteers who have been out there all winter in the cold keeping us hydrated and offering support and encouragement. The inspiring Dubuc Family and Team Matty who continue to inspire us all and show us how to honor those we love and make the world a better place. The Police from Wellesley, Newton, and Boston who helped direct traffic to keep us safe. The Newton Fire Department who always has water and opens their doors to runners who had their boots out for donations for the Boston Firefighters who lost their life this week in the terrible fire on Boylston Street. The many reminders of those injured last year and how their spirit and resilience shows us what Boston Strong truly means. Boston Strong is not just a catchy phrase or a slogan for tee shirts. It is a sense of resilience and recognition that even if we are down, we will get back up again emerging even stronger. It is an inner strength and an attitude that is experienced both individually and as a community. It is demonstrated in action. It is doing a little more when you think you can’t. It is reaching out your hand to help a stranger not because it is an obligation, but because it is simply what we do. 

 Yesterday, I ran 22 miles and was carried by the memories of those for whom we run and their families, the collective energy of all those who were on the course putting one foot in front of the other, the volunteers, the Police, and Firefighters who make it possible, the resilience of those who were injured last year who have met so many challenges with courage and strength, and the many friends, family and co-workers that make the miles meaningful with their donations. Thank you for the continued inspiration!  If you have not had a chance to donate, please visit my fundraising page at http://www.runDFMC.org/2014/kerryd

With gratitude and many inspired miles to go,

Kerry D

Fighting Cancer: If not me, then who? If not you, then who?

It is not secret that this year training has been challenging for me. I have really been struggling with getting in all the miles because like so many of my teammates, family members and friends-our days are filled with so much and our to-do lists are growing faster than we can cross tasks off the list.  We work too many hours. We fill our calendars with more than should be squeezed into a 24 hour period. We do the best to make it all work and expect that it should. In fact, many of us live as if there are more than 24 hours in a day and when we struggle, we wonder why? I am happy to say that while not perfect, this week was better. I logged almost 30 miles this week. Getting back to our team runs after the holidays was the reminder that I needed. We run to raise funds to fight cancer.  As challenging as it is, it is one of the most important things I do. 

Team Matty- One of my greatest reminders

Fundraising Update:

This week has been a strong fundraising week. I am $1150 more than I was a week ago and have now raised $4425.  This means I am now $10,575 away from my goal of $15,000. I am so very appreciative of all the support I have received. I will also share that I received an incredibly generous $1000 donation from one of my dearest anonymous friends. This is my largest donation this year and I am incredibly grateful at this unbelievable level of commitment and support. I am in awe! Each and every dollar brings us a step closer to our collective goal. So whether you can donate $5 or $1000 it all makes a difference. So thank you for your continue support at whatever level you can! It is so appreciated and will be put to such great use. 

If not me, who?

Fighting Cancer is why we run. It is that simple. I think many people would be surprised how many of us would not be running this far and in this cold, if it were not for this unifying sense of purpose-fighting cancer. It is true, I, like many of my teammates do not love to run for hours in the cold temperatures of New England. We do it because it allows us to make a difference. The fight against cancer is not an easy one. It is a long road and demands a sustained commitment. We log miles each week to fuel the fight with our feet and our fundraising. After the 18 weeks of training and fundraising, it is a collective five million dollar difference. So we run even though it is hard and we ask for donations even though we know money may be tight. This is not someone's battle to fight. It is all our fight. 

My inspiring teammates who logged 16 miles with one purpose-fighting cancer

 When I get up early on a Saturday morning after a long work week to go run 16 or more miles in the freezing cold, I do find myself asking, “Why do I do this?” It does not take long and I am very quickly reminded of the many people for whom my teammates and I run. I see pictures of my friend Matt’s nephew Josh or Matty Dubuc. I am reminded of the Dubuc Family (team Matty) who will be also facing the cold to make sure we have water, gatorade and gummy bears. I am reminded of all my family, friends and co-workers who have been impacted by cancer and who have lost love ones and for the many who continue to fight the good fight. I am reminded of the five people whose names were on the back of my shirt when  I ran last year and who were also alive and who have since lost their battle with cancer. I am reminded of my teammates who are cancer survivors and who join me to run in the cold because they can and because they are not finished fighting cancer even though they are now cancer free. I am reminded of how devastating a disease cancer is and the many lives it touches of those whom I do not even know.

 In the midst of what feels like despair, I am also reminded that possibility exists when cutting edge research at Dana Farber is funded. It is here where possibility becomes probable in the distant future. Then my rhetorical question of “Why?” is answered with another question, “if not me, then who?” It is here I am reminded that we all have responsibility to make the world a better place. Change begins with me and with each and every one of us. If we accept the responsibility for making the change we must act. Training for the marathon and making this a priority for 18 weeks per year is hard. It is incredibly hard.  I will not sugar coat it. It is a huge demand on time and is physically demanding. However, it has allowed me to raise over $30,000 in two short years. If I did not make this commitment to run and have the support of so many family members, friends, and co-workers that would be $30K less to fight cancer research. This is why I continue to get out and log the miles (and also donate) and I hope you will continue to support my efforts because it is our collective effort that is making the enormous difference. My running is made meaningful only when combined with your support.

 I also continue to be inspired by my teammates and want to share a quick example of the challenges that training brings. One of my teammates was not able to run with us this past weekend. It was her daughter’s birthday and she wanted to spend the day with her. So what did she do? She got up at 3:30am and ran 16 miles on her treadmill so she could get her miles in without interrupting her time with her daughter. If that is not dedication and commitment to fighting cancer, I am not sure what is. My teammates and I have accepted the commitment and responsibility to fight the good fight.  We often ask, “If not us, then who?” I guess, when thinking about fundraising and the many donations we need, I can also ask, “If not you, then who?” What is your answer? I hope you will continue to support our efforts in any way you can and help Dana Farber reach the ultimate goal- a world without cancer. Here is the link to my fundraising page http://www.runDFMC.org/2014/kerryd. Help keep the momentum going.

With Gratitude,

Kerry D