Why I’m Running: ‘A future free from the shadows of cancer’
Maira Marques Samary is running the 2024 Boston Marathon for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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: Maira Marques Samary
Age: 46
From: Arlington
Cancer has deeply impacted my family, shaping my life from childhood to adulthood. Currently, a loved uncle and aunt are undergoing cancer treatment, and it feels like there’s always been someone in my family facing this challenge. That’s why Dana-Farber holds such a special place in my heart — it’s not just an institution; it’s a beacon of hope for families like mine.
This year, as I lace up my running shoes, I carry not only the weight of my family’s journey but also the hopes and dreams of one of my own students, Alex Park. Alex, a senior Computer Science student at BC, who took on the Boston Marathon last year alongside me in support of Dana-Farber. Now, he faces his own battle with cancer, I am reminded of the resilience and spirit of the next generation. I run for Alex, for my own children, and for all the young minds who deserve a future free from the shadows of cancer.
I run for a future where advancements in genetics and early detection can offer more possibilities, better and easier treatments. Dana-Farber’s commitment to research gives me hope that Alex, my children, and future generations will have the chance to live in a world where cancer is no longer a looming threat. Join me in supporting Alex, my kids, and the countless others who depend on Dana-Farber’s groundbreaking work. Together, let’s stride towards a brighter, healthier future.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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