Lisa Redding is running Boston for ‘all of the cancer survivors’ like herself
"I am seizing this opportunity to give back to Dana-Farber and to help future cancer patients."
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: Lisa Redding
Age: 50
From: Boston
I am running The Boston Marathon with Team Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge because 15 years ago this March, I was diagnosed with cancer — Hodgkin lymphoma. I had a two-year-old son at the time and this surprising and frightening diagnosis threw my life upside down.
It was surprising because I was healthy with no history of cancer in my family. But, in fact, every year 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer and most do not have a family history of the disease. I underwent six months of chemotherapy at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and have been cancer-free since!
I am seizing this opportunity to give back to Dana-Farber and to help future cancer patients by running my very first marathon at age 50 to raise money for this amazing institution. What I’m doing is not hard when you compare it to a cancer diagnosis. Having your entire life upended in an instant — that’s hard!
My marathon run is dedicated to all of the cancer survivors, to those who we have lost to these terrible diseases, and to those who are currently fighting cancer. Strength and love to my cousin, Steve.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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