Our run for Arthur started more than two years ago.
Jason and I began dating just a few months after my dad was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. Such a horribly daunting diagnosis had put my whole life in a tailspin. The only thing I could think to do was work like crazy to get my dad the best treatment in the world. I did that in finding Dr. Andrew Zhu at MGH. Words could not express my family's gratitude to MGH for treating my dad like a person rather than a disease. So I let actions speak louder and decided to run the marathon in support of the Cancer Center.
One of the first things that impressed me about Elyse was her dedication to running the Boston Marathon and to her fundraising. It was amazing to see her go through with her marathon training day after day, knowing that she was doing it all for a good cause. I can remember driving 20 miles outside of the city to drop her off so that she could run back home in the below freezing temperatures. It was also hard to see her deal with her father's illness and all of the hardships her family faced along with that.
There were definitely the typical hardships and set backs that come as a package deal with cancer but those were always offset by the amazing care we received at MGH The biggest gift they gave me was time with my dad that year. My family was able to travel together and do fun things because we had this amazing team of doctors, nurses and friends at the cancer center encouraging us to live our life with hope. Most importantly, I was able to introduce Jason to both of my parents and give him the chance to get to know my dad a little bit.
With just 10 days to go before the marathon, her father passed. Watching her go through the loss of a family member, training for the marathon, and planning her fundraising all at the same time was very heartbreaking for me. I was happy to see the support that the MGH Cancer Center gave her and her mom and I know it was because of their assistance that she was able to get through the most challenging period of her life.
When I crossed the finsih line that day almost two years ago, I had never felt more love and support. I left Hopkinton with hugs and encouraging words from Jason, my wonderfully loving boyfriend of only six months, who had just helped me through the pain of losing my dad. I arrived on heartbeak hill and met Julie, my dad's chemo nurse was there cheering me on. She ran the last 5 miles of the marathon with me... a woman whose job was to administer treatment to my father had gone so far above and beyond to help me cross that finish line in memory and honor of him. This dedication to the patient, partnered with worldclass cancer treatment, is what MGH stands for and why I continue to dedicate so much time to helping in any way that I can.
After watching from the sidelines for the past two years, I decided to join Elyse in running the marathon and fundraising for MGH. I want to support MGH, and this will be my way of thanking them for helping Arthur, Elyse, and her family. I think that each of us has been touched by someone who has battled cancer, and this marathon is for each of them.
Please join us in supporting this wonderful hosptial and honoring the memory of Arthur. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts and WE WILL see you at the finish line.