Why I’m Running: ‘Life truly is a marathon’
Laura Yardumian is running the 2024 Boston Marathon for the American Liver Foundation.
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: Laura Yardumian
Age: 70
From: Malden
Growing up and living in the Boston area, I discovered running in my 20s and couldn’t help but dream about running in the Boston Marathon. But that was it, a dream, until the fall of 2022, when I was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cancer within the liver bile duct), a less common form of liver cancer. I promised the surgeon that if he got me through, I would run the Boston Marathon to raise funds for research in and awareness of liver cancer. I was 68 then, now I am 70 and making good on that promise.
This April 15, after training hard (to regain fitness in my case), two of my sons who are runners (the other is a rower) and I will live the dream to participate in one of the most storied races of our time. We are honored to be running with the American Liver Foundation Boston Marathon 2024 Team and to be able to give back as a family so that others might have the medical options and support to live their dreams. Surviving cancer and thriving afterwards takes an entire community of medical professionals, family, friends, and colleagues. Eighteen months after surgery, I am very fortunate to be cancer free and incredibly grateful for every new day. Life truly is a marathon.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address