DFMC 7 & Boston 2019: In Honor of Chris Davie: A Great Marathon & Weekend

Reflecting on the 2014 Boston Marathon around mile 15 of the race, I already knew that while I was not having the race that I wanted, the marathon itself and the whole weekend had been amazing. I won't dwell on the race much...it was a warm day and for that reason (& perhaps others) I struggled from mile 14 onward. I was physically tired, my stomach was upset and I couldn't properly eat/drink to recover from it; mentally, I struggled after missing my family and friends at locations I expected. I often thought of those individuals that I was running in honor and in memory of, those battling cancer, RJ and friends and family who have supported me the last 3 years of running for DFMC. Of course, the events of the 2013 marathon were also not far from my mind. In the end, I saw many friends from mile 17.5 onward, Boylston St was unreal, the fan support was amazing and I finished another Boston Marathon! Importantly, thanks to >100 donors, we raised $11,600+ for DFMC (as of this post)!! While DFMC had a goal of $5.3M, we have helped raise more than $6M for the Barr Program, an incredible year for us and DFMC!

I stated the weekend with my sister and dad arriving in Boston. We proceeded down to Copley Sq and the BAA expo. After getting my bib number we walked through the expo a bit and tasted some Sam Adams 26.2 Brew.

Official bib picked up

We also walked through the Boston public library and through the 'Dear Boston' exhibit. Following the bombings in 2013, a makeshift memorial sprung up in Copley Sq. After a few weeks, items that were left were catalogued and stored. The 'Dear Boston' exhibit displays some of the memorial items.

Shoes left by runners from 2013

We also stopped by Old South Church, which is near the marathon finish and was close to the 1st bombing in 2013. The church was generously giving out blue & yellow scarves to marathon runners this year. This was part of the Marathon Scarf Project. In short, the Old South Knitters Club came up with the idea and people from all 50 states and 8 countries knitted more than 7,000 scarves for runners, wrapping them with love and courage. Mine was made by someone in Salisbury, NC.

Runners getting scarves from Old South Church

After a full day on Friday, our Saturday was just as busy. Ashley, Amy and I ran the BAA 5K on Sat AM with 10,000 other runners. We ran a nice & easy 30min race on a gorgeous April morning.

Finishing the BAA 5K!

5K complete with our 'official' photographer

After a quick recovery and breakfast, we headed out to Fenway for the RedSox v Baltimore game. While the Sox haven't been playing great, we got to see a win!

Heading into Fenway Park

Though we didn't sit next to RJ, he was also at the game and we were able to meet up before and after for a bit to chat.

Meeting RJ before the Sox game

After a nice Easter morning mass at which we met Father Joe and received a special blessing (Mayor Walsh was also in attendance), we headed out to Copley Square and the Expo for Amy to pick up her bib.

Signs of support were all over Bosoton

At the fnish line VIP seating area

Boston finish line catwalk

We also walked by the sites of last year's bombings and paid our respect to the victims.

Crosses for those killed in events related to the 2013 marathon

After our photo session at the finish line and the expo, we headed over to the DFMC pasta party. Before dinner we met up with RJ and stopped by his poster that we prepared back in March.

Walking into dinner are the posters of all the patient partners, which serve as an incredible reminder of why we fundraise, train and run the marathon. Our efforts are minor compared their struggles and journey.

Patient Partner Posters

As this is the 25th year of DFMC, we heard from a number of people involved in the program, including grandsons of Sidney Farber, regarded as the Father of modern Chemotherapy. A former DFMCer also spoke. Darby was hoping to run with the team this year but early on found it more challenging than it should be. After a checkup, Darby learned that the breast cancer she thought she had beat had returned and metastasized to her lung, bone and elsewhere. One can imagine what this means for Darby and highlighted the need for continuing innovative research efforts. Darby's story was one that all runners took to the start line and thought of throughout the race.

DFMC 25 Year Highlights

Following the emotional DFMC pasta party dinner, we headed home with lots of inspiration for the marathon. We woke up early on Monday (4.45am) to catch the bus out to Hopkinton. Though our bus took a wrong turn (really!?!) we arrived at the DFMC refuge and prepared with teammates, volunters and our coach, Jack Fultz.

Ready to start after words from Jack

Inspiration for the 26.2 mile journey to Boston

Starting corral with 700 teammates

As I said, it wasn't the race that I wanted and after missing family at mile 16, I made sure to see family and friends whenever possible along the remainder of the course. Most importantly, we saw RJ, his family and my family at mile 25!

Seeing RJ at mile 25

A quick picture at mile 25

As we ran down Boylston St, I cannot remember any thoughts I had but I remember the atmosphere. The crowds were loud and sidewalks were many people deep, it was a great return to Boylston