Jean Del Vecchio's Fundraising Page
Hi Everyone!
As I'm sure you've heard, I just recently ran the 2008 Boston Marathon!!! As a member of the MassGeneral Marathon Team ran the Boston Marathon to raise money to support pediatric cancer research at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. The funds raised by our marathon team support research into the causes of childhood cancer and help to initiate effective new treatments for young patients.
I just wanted to update everyone also introduce you to our Patient Partner, Haley! My running buddy, Sherree and I, requested to be Patient Partners together, and then we found out that we had been paired up with Haley. Haley is almost 5 and was diagnosed in September of 2007 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A few months ago we had the opportunity of meeting Haley and her family. Her parents, Jonh and Jen, warmly welcomed us into their home, as their 4 enthusiastic and lovable little girls greeted us and continued to make us smile. Haley and Abby (in the dark red shirt) performed for us, as Megan (far right) chatted with us about books, and Katie (far left) snuggled up next to me on the couch. The girls were outgoing and energetic! Haley's parents later told us that even when her counts are low, Haley remains in good spirits and loves getting right in the middle of it all while she plays with her sisters - and it was great to see it! There are no words to express just how honored Sherree and I feel to be running the marathon in support of Haley and her family. Haley is one very brave little girl and her strength and courage continue to inspire us.
The marathon was a few Mondays ago - April 21st and it was an amazing day! Beautiful weather - sunny and breezy out - perfect running weather!The run itself was good, although I can't really remember much of the last 6 miles. At that point it really is mind over matter. But the rest of the run was just so much fun! People were cheering our names the entire 26 miles! I also cannot even begin to describe the emotions I felt before, during, and after it. It was an amazing experience that I'll never forget! The night before it, MassGeneral had a big Pasta Dinner for all the runners, our families, as well the families of our Patient Partners. Haley and her sisters were so excited to see us again! We then saw them all at Mile 20 the next day during the marathon. They greeted us with lots of good hugs - and at mile 20 we needed them! My parents were there too! When we finally rounded the corner, turning onto Boylston Steet, and we saw the big FINISH LINE banner, my friends and I grabbed hands and ran the last few blocks to the finish. I just remember jumping on the little red timing pad as I crossed the finish line thinking, "Wow, I really did it!"
Thank you again so so much for all of your support, generosity, and encouragement. I really couldn't have done this without you and I can't thank you enough. Please continue to send Haley your positive thoughts.
With lots of love and gratitude,
Jean
Just a reminder - donating through site is really simple, fast and completely secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
If you prefer to donate by mail, checks can be made payable to Massachusetts General Hospital and mailed to my attention at:
Jean Del Vecchio
2 Corinne Road Apt. #1
Brighton, MA 02135
Thanks again!