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He ran Boston three times to support pediatric cancer care. Now he’s running as a cancer survivor.
"Out of sheer joy and gratitude, I am running Boston once again to support their mission."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.
Name: Ray Angelone
Age: 57
From: Norfolk
This will be my fourth Boston Marathon running for MGH. Back in the early 2000s, I ran to support pediatric cancer care. Now, I am running as a Stage 3 pancreatic cancer survivor and former patient of MGH.
Always athletic, in 2019 my gut didn’t feel right. I ignored it, focusing on a better diet and more discipline. I must’ve swallowed too much pond water while swimming, I told myself. But one night my stomach revolted and I soon went to the ER, only to learn a tumor was blocking my pancreatic duct. I was lucky. So many folks miss or ignore the pancreatic cancer symptoms until it’s Stage 4.
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However, I was treated at Newton-Wellesley and Mass General by a fantastic team in a clinical trial. I underwent a successful Whipple procedure at MGH.
Out of sheer joy and gratitude, I am running Boston once again to support their mission.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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