Naitik Shah is running his third Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber
"This team, which I actually like to call my family, is an addiction."
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: Naitik Shah
Ages: 39
From: Westborough
Back in 2019 when I ran my first Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, I truly thought it would be my one and done. I was so wrong. This team, which I actually like to call my family, is an addiction. You come across the best people you may have ever met in your lifetime, who share the same end goal that we truly believe one day we will live in a world without cancer.
To get there we all know that research is the key. Since its inception, the Dana-Farber Marathon Team has run 32 marathons, raised over $110 million, funded the development of over 30 drugs and treatments, and impacted the lives of millions of patients worldwide.
Our team comprises a little over 500 runners, all of whom have been impacted by cancer. This team is a true epitome of what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Not only do all of us train to run 26.2 miles in the crazy cold New England weather, but we also pledge to raise thousands of dollars to fund cancer research that could potentially save the life of your partner, your child, your best friend, or yourself along with the next generation of cancer survivors.
So here I am, going on to run my third Boston Marathon for the best team EVAH! I run in memory of my mom, my best friend Kushal, Matty Dubuc, Naresh Uncle, and Katie. Unfortunately, the in-memory and honor list goes on. Thus far by running marathons in the last 3 years, I have raised over $60,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and Cancer Research UK. This will continue year after year as I truly believe in the research and a cure.
Last year, I also gladly accepted a role on the DFMC board. People do acknowledge and appreciate all that I have done to give back to this cause that I am so passionate about, but in return, all I tell them is I have gained so much more due to my affiliation with DFMC which is impossible for me to put in words.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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