Dana-Farber employees have many reasons to run

In April 2008, 15 Dana-Farber staffers, along with an additional 535 amateur athletes who made up the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) team, laced up their sneakers for the 112th Boston Marathon®, pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles.

This year, DFMC team members aimed to raise $4.5 million, along with the help of Trustees J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, who will add a generous personal gift to the team's grand total.

The funds raised will benefit the Institute's Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research. The program, which provides financial support to up-and-coming investigators here whose work is not yet eligible for larger grants, was established in honor of Delores' mother, who died of cancer.

Why do our colleagues run? Here what inspired and motivated them:

"Participating in this event gave me the opportunity to challenge myself, raise needed money for cancer research, and honor the people in my life who fought this disease."
– Keegan Clark, Development

"I ran in memory of my grandmother, who recently passed away from cancer."
– Katy Counihan, Development

Thomas Cameron of Facilities Management and Construction 

"Working in the Facilities department, I have direct knowledge of the cost associated with building and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities. I felt I had to give back and contribute in some way."
– Thomas Cameron, Facilities Management and Construction

"This is my sixth marathon and I am a qualified runner. I am very aware of the terrific work the Institute is doing in cancer research and care, and I wanted to use this race to give my family and friends an opportunity to support Dana-Farber's mission."
– Nancy Downer, Development

"As a nurse I have been shown the strength of the human spirit on a regular basis and have been inspired to give back in any way that I can. It has been a humbling experience and I enjoy knowing I crossed the finish line with the support of so many people behind me."
– Colleen Lawrence, RN, BSN, Adult Ambulatory Services

"I was absolutely thrilled and feel truly privileged to have run my first marathon as a member of the DFMC team. My most significant personal motivation for running is the fact that my mother was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, and is currently undergoing treatment at Dana-Farber."
– Greg Lord, Information Services

"I have continually been inspired by the spirit, strength, and courage of my patients and their families, and by the determination and dedication of DFCI staff. The research taking place here has led to dramatic advances in the capacity to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancers, and I hope that the funds raised will help to support this continuing research."
– Marybeth S. Morris, EDM, Division of Pediatric Psychosocial Services

"After seeing all the runners last year, wearing their "In Memory of" messages on their singlet, I had this thought that I shouldn't wait until I need to wear that. I should run now, and run with hope that all of our hard work in fundraising will pay off so that I won't ever need to run in someone's memory. Because one of the most important things I've learned from working at Dana-Farber, as well as training with DFMC, is that you have to take advantage of today."
– Sarah Neukom, Development

Dana-Farber employee Grace Sembajwe, Scd, MSc 

"I run every year in memory of my mother, Concepta Sembajwe, and in honor of my Patient Partner Elizabeth Kulikowsky, who is 2 years old and receiving treatment here she's my inspiration!"
– Grace Sembajwe, ScD, MSc, Medical Oncology

"This is my 13th year doing the DFMC and the reason I run is to help (indirectly) find a cure for cancer. It is inspiring to see all the adults and children who have had cancer cheering us on and it is great to see my family and friends out on the course."
– Denise Nolan, Finance

"I ran my first Boston Marathon this year with my brother, Brian, who finished his leukemia treatment last fall. We ran the 26.2 miles together, doing each mile for a friend or family member with cancer."
– Sara Thiede, Medical Oncology

"I started running the DFMC in honor of the people that I have met and worked with through my job because I wanted to help out in some way. But as I started asking for contributions, everyone in turn asked me to run for someone they knew affected by cancer. Now I am running for lots of people, some I have never even met and that's the best feeling of all. The knowledge that in some small way I am honoring a person's battle with cancer, and celebrating their spirit and strength to go on, was with me for 26.2 miles."
– Hillary Wetzel, Development