I ran my first marathon (the Long Island) when I was 22 to see if I could do it. I ran my second marathon (New York) when I was 40 to see if I still could do it. Both times, I ran for myself for the athletic challenge. Now that I'm closer to 50 than I am to 40, I know I can run a marathon. But this time, it's not about me. It's not about whether I can do it or how fast I can do it. Sure, I hope to improve my time -- can't help that, I'm competitive -- but this time it's about something more important. It's about helping out a great organization, so that they can continue their important research, so that they can continue to give people hope in their fight against cancer.
That's why I'm going to wake up when the stars are still out; why I'm going to run through the snow; through the bitter cold of a New England winter.
But no matter how difficult it will be for me, it pales in comparison to the challenge facing cancer patients. By participating in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC), I'm supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's goal to find better therapies and, ultimately, cures for cancer.
The DFMC raises funds for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Established by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver in 1987, the Claudia Adams Barr Program fosters scientific breakthroughs by advancing the work of gifted researchers in a variety of basic research disciplines. The DFMC directs 100% of funds raised to the Barr Program, which enables gifted young scientists at the leading edge of discovery to achieve better cure rates and to enhance patients' quality of life. I hope you will support my challenge by giving a gift to my run and, in doing so, help bring an end to the challenge of cancer.
I'll keep this blog updated with tales of the training. Thanks in advance for your support!
--Michael
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