Dana Ohannessian's Half Marathon In Memory - Mat Mello
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As some of you may know, I have been training for my first half marathon on October 18th in Newport, RI – initially deciding to do this as a turning (ahem, ahem) 40 goal. Long weekend runs often occur at 5am before the chaos of the day begins. My route takes me around beautiful and serene Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, MA. It wasn't long before I realized that running at this early hour, in such a lovely setting, was not a chore but a welcomed opportunity to quiet my mind. I often found myself thinking of and talking to our dear friend, Mat Mello.
Shockingly, Mat was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor after a routine hernia surgery in 2007. Mat and his wife, Gigi, endured months of surgeries, hospital, rehabilitation, and long-term care stays and dozens of trips to the emergency department. Mat never lost hope, his love for life, gentle manner, kind heart nor his grace with all around him no matter how physically weak.
Mat passed away in February at the age of 36, leaving so many of us devastated and truly heartbroken.
After a few months of training and realizing that I could probably run 13.1 miles, the idea came to me that I would like to run in Mat’s honor and in celebration of his life – since I believe he encourages me during many of those 5am runs. With Gigi’s blessing, I will be running the Newport Half Marathon on October 18th to raise funds for the National Brain Tumor Society. Please take a moment to visit my FirstGiving.com website to learn more about donating to the National Brain Tumor Society in honor of Mat Mello.
My only wish is that Mat be at the finish line for one of his signature bear hugs that I will undoubtedly need. I look forward to seeing some of you running with me as Team Mat and at the finish line at First Beach in Newport on October 18th! Bring your Mat hugs! Many thanks for your support in honoring Mathew. Dana