She’s running Boston for her best friend and cancer research
"I run for Dana-Farber because they helped Kirby live, and I know they can continue to help so many more people with their continued research."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Juli LeDoux
Age: 39
From: Needham
Seven years ago, my best friend Kirby was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. She was 32. She was given six months to live, six months to be with her brand-new baby and her two-year-old son. By sheer force of will, and with the unwavering partnership of her physicians and healthcare team at Dana-Farber, she started on a treatment journey that would allow her to live for another five years. An incredibly tough five years, but she was here, she was present.
When the cancer spread to her brain, she called me from recovery and said, “You know, I think that brain surgery is my favorite treatment so far.” It was never easy – but it kept her alive for her kids, her husband, her family and friends. Kirby never wanted to focus on being a cancer patient. It was all about living her life to the fullest that she was able. And Dana-Farber helped her do that for so much longer than anyone expected.
When Kirby died in May 2023, her physician came to her funeral, furthering the commitment that Dana-Farber has for their patients. I run for Dana-Farber because they helped Kirby live, and I know they can continue to help so many more people with their continued research.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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