She’s running Boston for her aunt who ‘radiates positivity’

"We were beyond lucky that Dana-Farber was starting a clinical trial this week that she was able to get into."

Casey Fields is running the 2025 Boston Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Casey Fields)

April 8, 2025

1 minute to read

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: Casey Fields
Age: 33
From: Chelsea

In April 2022, my aunt Justyna was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor. Auntie Justyna is the definition of strength. The woman who was in the Air Force, an airline pilot, and the woman who had a huge hand in raising me had to go through the most challenging thing in this life – cancer. Dana-Faber saved her life. I will forever be grateful for them. After successful brain surgery, removing part of the tumor, and going through chemo and radiation for 18 months, she had cleaned MRI scans up until two weeks ago.

In March 2025, after a fierce fight over the last three years, her MRI scan showed a recurrence of her tumor. Although small, they do warrant concern and a treatment plan. To say we are not disappointed would be an understatement, but we are not shocked, as glioblastoma is treatable, not curable. Auntie is the picture-perfect patient who is ready to fight, radiates positivity, and is an inspiration.

We were beyond lucky that Dana-Farber was starting a clinical trial this week that she was able to get into. I think often we don’t really see the effects of the donations until they hit you in the face. Unfortunately, my auntie and my family were hit in the face with it. This clinical trial did not exist three years ago, so thank you for every donation because it may just save my aunt’s life. She is a few days into this clinical trial, and we are hopeful and positive.

As I take on my third Boston Marathon, this one will mean more than ever. I am honored to run this year for Dana-Faber in honor of my aunt and all the other patients and families who continue to show such strength and never give up!