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Catherine Flynn is an oncology nurse practitioner. Now she’s running to support Dana-Farber.
"The opportunity to run Boston, while raising crucial funds for cancer research is an absolute dream come true."
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: Catherine Flynn
Age: 31
From: Beechhurst, N.Y.
I am excited, honored, and proud to run my first ever Boston marathon with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) team.
As a longtime runner perennially captivated by the magic of the Boston Marathon, and an oncology nurse practitioner dedicated to the mission of exceptional patient-driven care, the opportunity to run Boston while raising crucial funds for cancer research is an absolute dream come true.
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Dana-Farber’s full court press fight against cancer has been a longtime source of inspiration for me. Before becoming a nurse, I worked as a research coordinator on clinical trials, which investigated novel treatments for multiple myeloma. In that role, I witnessed the incredible progress that can be made through compassionate and patient-centric research.
Now, as a nurse practitioner, I continue to witness the individualized, cutting-edge research and patient-tailored care that we know and love at Dana-Farber.
Over the years, I have had the privilege to work with so many kind, wonderful patients, and countless brilliant, caring co-workers.
It has been especially remarkable to see so many individuals (staff and patients alike) rise to the heightened challenges of a pandemic.
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Cancer does not stop for a pandemic, and neither do we.
This year’s marathon will hold extra sentimentality and significance for me, as our country and world strive to emerge from this pandemic and seek returns to normalcy.
Each year, I look forward to the Boston Marathon: taking it all in, awash with a flurry of raw emotions. The sheer tenacity, grit, discipline, heart, sacrifice on full display; the connection with your fellow human, cheering for complete strangers. It is healing — and good for the soul!
I hope to make my people (and strangers, too?!) proud!
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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