Peace

Chris moved into hospice on Dec 31, 2018.  Just over a week later and after an 11 year battle with brain cancer, Chris passed away peacefully with his family nearby.

Over the last 6 months, Chris worked with the Health Story Collaborative to record his story, communicate what was important to him and be able to share these feelings with his family after he was gone.  Recently, Boston's NPR station, WBUR, featured the Health Story Collaborative, including Chris's story. As I go out for my run tomorrow I will think of Chris and reflect on how he lived fully while battling cancer these last 11 years.

Motivation

I wasn't great about running over the holidays, but got back into it this past week.  Yesterday, Jan 5, was out first DFMC team run of 2019.  This kicks off the 'serious' training after the holidays and to be honest, after indulging with food and drink, after traveling to see family, the first group run exerted a toll beyond what it should.  On top of that, yesterday was an overcast day with 35-40F temps and rain forecasted for the run.  The thought crossed my mind whether I should go to the team run or just push it off a day for better weather. After thinking about Chris and what Chris and his family are going through, I was motivated to run with my teammates and for Chris.

The group run started at a health club next door to where we used to work.  I was in the building for 1.5 years and Chris was there for over 10 years.  I had already told Chris that I would be there, so I couldn't bail, right? On top of that, Chris, and others battling cancer, don't choose their situation, so why should I push a run off just because of some rain.  If the 2018 marathon taught me anything, I know I can run in a nor'easter in 40F temps and enjoy it, this was just a light rain shower by comparison. I also knew the support and camaraderie of my DFMC teammates would help me through the morning.  Luckily, the rain amounted to a light sprinkle and we had a decent morning for a run.  We conquered 12 miles (9.45min/mi pace) through the rolling hills and while I got this done, it was exhausting.  I'm sure the holiday break didn't help, nor did being up 3 times in the middle of the night with an infant, but we can only control so much and I reached my goal of 12 miles.

2018 finished and 2019 began with some mixed news.  Chris moved to hospice on New Year's Eve.  I'm so glad he was able to spend Christmas with family at home, but learning of his move to hospice is a reminder of why I spend all this time training in the winter to run 26.2 miles in April and why I ask for support and donations from family and friends. We've had a fantastic start to fundraising and have already raised more than $9,000 toward our goal of $17,000!  We continue to make an impact on cancer research and your generosity and support continues to motivate me to get out there each week and train, regardless of the weather.

Training Begins

Yesterday, Dec 8, was our first DFMC group run of the 2019 training season.  About 100 teammates met in Wellesley and ventured out in 20F weather for 6-10 miles.  I ran with a friend and we felt good with our 8 miles on the marathon course.  This was my first run in 2 weeks after fighting off a pretty severe cold but I was able to maintain a respectable pace (9-10 min/mi) and overall felt pretty good.  Some stiffness in my legs eventually melted away but reminds me that I need to find some time to stretch out throughout the week.

Though this is my 7th DFMC and I know a number of veterans, yesterday felt a bit different than years past.  The group that I've traditionally run with is largely cheering this year.  While this is something to look forward to come marathon Monday, it also means that I have to meet new people on training runs, which will be a nice way to pass the miles! 😀

As the training season gets going, fundraising is in mid-season form.  We've already raised $5,300 this year, more than 30% of the way to our $17,000 goal!  On top of that, family and friends of Chris gathered last night at Harpoon Brewery for a fundraiser, where we raised more than $1400!  We were lucky to have the support of a number of local businesses for raffle prize donations, which I'm sure the winners will enjoy.

As I've shared, this year I'm running in honor of Chris.  When we planned the Harpoon event, Chris was excited and looking forward to joining everyone. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend due to recent events related to his cancer.  We were lucky enough to FaceTime with him briefly and make sure that he was a part of the fundraiser, and that Chris knew we were thinking of him, wishing him the best, and raising a glass to his friendship.  It was also a good reminder that there is still more to be done to help reach the ultimate finish line, a world without cancer, and while I'm physically able, I'm glad that I can run with DFMC to help reach this goal.

Kicking Off DFMC 2019

As August progressed and turned to September, I was undecided about running DFMC again this year.  I believe in the cause and charity, I'm willing to put in the work and do the fundraising, but the inner drive was a bit less.  I knew I could churn through another year, but that wasn't enough.  On top of that, Amy and I were expecting our first child in the fall. I wasn't sure what training might be like with an infant or if Amy would be willing to pick up my slack in parenting while I was out training.

With these thoughts, concerns, and uncertainty, I knew I would run for DFMC again at some point, but I wanted to run for a reason. At around this time, my colleagues and I received an e-mail from Chris that he had made the hard decision to leave his position.  Given this new information, I talked with Amy about running and then asked Chris and his family if he would like me to run.

I ran my first 5 DFMCs for my patient partner RJ and he continues to do great and thrive after a leukemia diagnosis when he was a kid.  I ran #6 in 2018 for Heather Thomson. Unfortunately, Heather lost her battle to breast cancer during the training season thought she motivated me throughout the windy, rainy and cold 26.2 miles of the 2018 marathon.  Running for Chris this year is what motivated me to commit.  I don't know how long I may be able to run marathons, or what the future holds for my own health, so I seized this year and will run for Chris and his family.

With ~20 donors already, we've raised $1925 with a number of company matches outstanding!  This is a great way to kick off the season and these funds will directly impact innovative research at Dana-Farber so that folks like Chris, Heather, RJ, and others will continue to have therapeutic options in the future. Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far!