Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge
DFMC Partner Program
For many runners, the DFMC Partner Program is the heart of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.
Runners Scott Williamson (left) and wife Carrie Stampfer met up with Scott's daughter and patient partner, Laura Williamson, and her brother, just outside Kenmore Square.
Founded by Lindsay Frazier, MD, a pediatric oncologist at Dana-Farber and a veteran DFMC runner, the program matches runners with patients at the Institute's Jimmy Fund Clinic. The partners meet several times throughout the season for planned activities like the "Meet Your Match" Party and Project Adventure Day, or on their own for dinners, sporting events, and visits to each other's homes.
For many patients and their runners, the highlight of the program comes on marathon day as runners reach the 25-mile mark near Kenmore Square. They are greeted by their young partners, who cheer wildly, wave signs and banners, and share hugs and high fives. Some even join their runners for the last mile of the race.
Applications for the DFMC Partner Program are distributed to all runners accepted onto the team. The process begins in November and matches are announced by December.
For more information about the DFMC Partner Program, call (617) 632-1970.
