Boston Marathon

He’s running Boston for his family members who battled colorectal cancer

Paul Rolanti's wife and brother-in-law have both been cancer free for a year now. Now he's raising money to support cancer 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. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.


Name: Paul Rolanti
Age: 50
From: Milford, NH

A marathon is a testament to perseverance and endurance — so is the effort to overcome serious illness.

I run for my family members who have battled with colorectal cancer. My wife Sarah has been cancer free for a year now thanks to the amazing staff at Dana-Farber and the life-saving research discovered over the last several years. My brother-in-law Dennis is also cancer free after over a year of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery to address his stage four tumors. While he was treated in Philadelphia, cancer research is shared and used worldwide so your contribution can make a difference across the state, across the country, and around the world.

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My goal is to raise at least $14,000, and 100 percent of every dollar raised by the DFMC team supports the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These funds are fueling some of today’s most promising basic cancer research. Any size donation is welcome and appreciated. 

Together, we’re headed toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

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