As I prepare to embark on training for my third marathon, I am reminded that my great love of running comes from my Dad. Growing up, he took me on my first run, came to all my cross country and track meets, and helped me start the first Portland to Coast team at our High School. I watched him race marathons, half marathons, and captain many Hood to Coast Relays. I made my Dad posters, cheered him on, and was so proud to watch his races. As I got older and started increasing the distance in my running, my Dad has supported me in my passion. While training for my first two marathons, my Dad rode his bike alongside me and when I felt I couldn’t take another step during my races, he ran with me, cheered me on and encouraged me to be tough. This past year my Dad was diagnosed with T Cell Lymphoma and it is with great honor that I have decided I will run my next marathon for him and in remembrance of my Grandfather who passed away from Lymphoma years ago. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers. Since 1949 they have invested nearly $1.3 billion into groundbreaking research, pioneering many of today’s most innovative approaches. Approximately 40 percent of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA since 2000 were first approved for a blood cancer- which have led to breakthrough treatments for other cancers and serious diseases. Please support me in my mission to raise money for LLS research and fight cancer. I will run the Portland Marathon in October 2019 and will be fighting against cancer all along the way! I truly appreciate all of your support! #katiesmarathontofightcancer
