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Jeff Muddell is running after vowing to ‘get up, get strong, and recover’
"On Oct. 11, I will complete the 125th Boston Marathon, my fifth of the six Majors, while also celebrating six years cancer-free."
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: Jeff Muddell
Age: 46
From: Sanibel, Fla.
In the summer of 2015, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 40. It was a shocking diagnosis and a tough treatment.
In November 2015 — at the end of chemotherapy treatments, [I was] bald, [feeling] depleted, tired, and at my worst while also dealing with blood clots on my lungs — I made a vow to my children that I would get up, get strong, and recover to run the 2016 New York City Marathon. I did just that. But my journey was just beginning.
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When I learned about the six Abbott World Marathon Majors (New York City, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo, and Boston) the quest of many to become a “Six Star Finisher” of all the races, I knew I had to jump in to prove to my children that you can get through tough times and celebrate recovery.
On Oct. 11, I will complete the 125th Boston Marathon, my fifth of the six Majors, while also celebrating six years cancer-free. I have been blessed to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for this past two years, running with the team at Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. From the postponement last April, to the virtual marathon last fall, and now finally to the start in Hopkinton, my community has supported my efforts with $23,000 in donations to DFCI [Dana-Farber Cancer Institute].
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Throughout this running journey, I have been working to raise awareness of testicular cancer — a common and very treatable disease in men that unfortunately still claims more than 400 young lives a year in the United States. Not many young men talk about their testicles, but they should! It could save their life.
I’m blessed to be back to great health, and this effort has positively impacted my three children, who will be cheering for me with my wife at the finish on Boylston Street.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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