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I love to run, but it's been well over a decade since I've been able to train seriously for
anything. Back in the day, I was motivated by the competitive juices, and enabled by the flexible schedule (and physical
indestructibility) of a young man with no obligations. The half marathon was my sweet spot. I was pretty good at it!
As I pass my 45th birthday, though, it's no longer about the competition. That's why I'm so
grateful to Dana-Farber for providing me with the opportunity to do something I love, in support of something that's really
important.
I doubt there's anyone among you whose life has not been touched in some way by cancer. Of
the too many people I and my family know who have fought and won (and sometimes lost) the battle with cancer, there are three
from whom I take particular inspiration.
Bennett O'Brien is a young man my own son's age, who was stricken with Leukemia at a very young age.
Thankfully, and with the help of Dana-Farber, Bennett beat his cancer. Through it all, he displayed an inner strength
that I found extraordinary in one so young.
Rev. Thomas Nestor is the pastor of St. Eulalia's church. Father Tom is everything a parish
priest should be, and his gentle leadership has made a strong impact on the lives of my family in recent years. Father
Tom is battling several forms of cancer as I write this, but he is facing his illness with grace and good humor. He's
truly an inspiration.
Roberta Fox is my mother. In the early 1970s, Mom contracted breast cancer. After several
years of fighting, during which time she held our family together as a single mom, she beat the disease. Today, Mom
is approaching 40 years as a survivor. If I can train with 10% of the strength of will that Mom showed was in those
years, then this half marathon will be a cakewalk!
For these three individuals, and for all of the other people who will be impacted by cancer, I am
asking for your support. With your help, Dana Farber will continue the important work of finding a cure for this devastating
disease. Please consider making a generous contribution now to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in support of my run
on October 11th!
Thank you all -
Ron
