Nelson Ambrogio is running in memory of his late brother
"Daniel was happy, friendly, and charming with a great sense of humor and a love of music."
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: Nelson Ambrogio
Age: 44
From: New Jersey, but born in Uruguay
I am running in memory of my brother, Daniel, who was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma four years ago and passed shortly afterward.
As the general manager of U.S. oncology at Bayer, I spend every day working toward a future where this kind of loss is unimaginable. I am honored to run on behalf of and am inspired by the work of TargetCancer Foundation (TCF), supporting groundbreaking research, advancing biomarker testing, and supporting patients, so that they can have hope while battling cancer.
A father of four, Daniel was happy, friendly, and charming with a great sense of humor and a love of music. He studied law, worked as a cook in a restaurant in Italy, ran an ecological tourist resort close to the ocean, and spent most of his later years running a cattle ranch.
Daniel and I shared a passion for soccer, and as he was older than me, I have great memories of him taking me to play or watch soccer in my early childhood. This created a special bond that lasted through the years, despite living far away from each other as adults.
I never got the chance to say “goodbye” in person. When Daniel was admitted to the hospital, I was living in Sydney, Australia, and sadly arrived too late. Although I wish I could have been with him then, I prefer to remember all the wonderful and joyful times we spent together.
Participating as a charity runner on behalf of TCF and in memory of my brother is a way for me to personify my mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
You can learn more about my brother, my journey to the marathon and show your support by visiting my profile page for the TargetCancer Foundation team. Your support directly benefits patients by helping to advance research and give hope to those facing cholangiocarcinoma or other rare cancers.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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