Kevin P. Martin Jr. is running Boston while battling cancer
"I’m running for me, to be able to say I did something remarkable under the most difficult of circumstances, when the odds were stacked against me."
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. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.
Name: Kevin P. Martin Jr.
Age: 60
From: Milton
I’m a bucket list guy and running the Boston Marathon has always been on my list. I grew up in Southie – now live in Milton – and legendary “Boston” has been tugging at me for decades.
I started participating in triathlons a few years back and realized that Boston might be within reach, even at age 60.
Along the way, I got introduced to Dana-Farber and the incredibly amazing – and humbling – work done on Brookline Avenue. And so I applied to be a charity runner to raise funds for cancer research and to honor so many family and friends who have been treated by Dana-Farber.
And in a strange twist of fate, just two months ago, I got diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones. Of course, I’m being treated by Dana-Farber.
I’m on a bunch of meds and I just finished radiation. I will be starting chemotherapy immediately after the marathon.
In some ways, the medication is sucking the energy out of my body. As opposed to my time getting slightly better with every run, it’s getting worse. My legs feel like elephant legs on long runs. Every run is exhausting.
My doctors have told me that I probably won’t be able to run in April. They say my body will be too weak. And, of course, my intention is show everyone that has told me “no,” that discipline, determination, will, faith and the love of many, will be the wind at my back and push me over the finish line. My time might not be pretty — but personal best is not the objective.
I wrote a book that came out in June entitled, “All is Well: Life Lessons From a Preacher’s Father.” My dad died from ALS in 2019 and all profits go to various ALS charities. I’ve just started my second book entitled, “I Am Well: A Cancer Journey” and 100% of the profits will go to Dana-Farber.
I’m running the Boston Marathon to check it off my bucket list. I’m running to raise important research dollars to benefit Dana-Farber. And, yeah, I’m running for me, to be able to say I did something remarkable under the most difficult of circumstances, when the odds were stacked against me. “I am Jimmy” and I’m proud of it.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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