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She’s running Boston to honor her grandmother, support cancer patients
"Boston is home, and I know Gamma would have been thrilled to stand along the course and cheer me on."
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: Laura Davis
Age: 35
From: Wakefield, Mass.
I’m running the Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber in memory of my Gamma. Known lovingly as “Peanut” by friends and family, Gamma was a third parent to me. When my parents were working, she was the one taking care of me, always showing up with love, patience, and unwavering support. Every summer, my cousins and I spent time with her at our family’s beach house, floating in the ocean, playing card games, and watching just about every sport you could imagine on TV. Gamma loved sports and was always at every important event for her grandchildren. She even got me my very first pet guinea pig when I was seven.
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Gamma was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in December 2015. At the time, the cancer was inoperable, and the focus became managing her symptoms and keeping her comfortable. She was given a year to live, and during that time she endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy, countless medications, and daily discomfort. That year was incredibly difficult for my family. Gamma had been such a constant presence in all of our lives that it was hard to imagine a world without her.
In 2019, inspired by her love of sports, I began running for charity as a way to honor her memory, channel my grief, and support cancer patients and their families. Since then, I’ve run five marathons, including two World Majors, with four of them benefiting charitable causes. Along the way I’ve met so many wonderful people, and have gathered a community of other runners who are running to defy cancer. Running the Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber feels especially meaningful. Boston is home, and I know Gamma would have been thrilled to stand along the course and cheer me on as I take on my third World Major in her memory.
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Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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