Ariel Tarrago is running Boston for cancer research
"Together, we're headed toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Ariel Tarrago
Age: 23
From: Medford
In 2015, I tragically lost my mother after she battled a cancerous brain tumor for two years. My mother, Maria-Magdalena, showed courage and determination throughout those two years. She was always the life of the party and brought a smile to everyone’s face. Externally she had the look of someone who was calm and collected but internally she was fighting a damaging battle. My mother and family were fortunate enough to have the support of a wonderful group of medical professionals allowing my mother to battle these wars with support and care.
It’s important to me to raise money for cancer research because without the cancer treatment my mother went through, my family and I probably wouldn’t have had those extra months with her. Every extra moment matters and I never took an extra hug or “I love you” for granted.
In 2016, my grandfather sadly passed away from colorectal cancer. He, like my mother, brought joy into so many people’s lives. Losing his daughter and being diagnosed with cancer brought my grandfather a lot of pain. Even though he was going through so much, he still fought every day to be with his family. He and my mother showed me how much strength and courage people can have as they fought so hard to be there for my family.
Even though I lost them both in my first two years of high school, I used their strength as motivation to make them proud and become the best version of myself. On April 15, 2024, I will not be running alone but with my mother, grandfather, and all the other patients and their families who have felt the pain of cancer in their lives. 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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