Why I’m Running: Jim O’Connell is running Boston in memory of his dad
"My dad was an amazing and generous person who people felt richer in spirit for knowing."
Jim O’Connell.
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 on April 16, 2018. Are you running Boston? Here’s how to share your story on Boston.com.
Name: Jim O’Connell
Age: 49
From: Nashua, New Hampshire
Bib #: 26368
I lost my dad to liver cancer back in 2010. Looking for a way to channel my grief, I got involved with The American Liver Foundation (which is 30 years old this year, and is the ORIGINAL Boston Marathon charity team), with a goal to honor his memory and bring more clarity to what is widely regarded as a drinking and drug abusing disease. The fact is, very few people contract liver disease (and there are many) that way. But the bottom line is that it should not matter — if somebody is sick, they are sick and deserve help and research. In fact, liver cancer fatalities as a percentage of incidences is by a long stretch the highest. My dad was an amazing and generous person who people felt richer in spirit for knowing. I do honor his memory each year by running this amazing race and raising money for much needed research and education, and I do it with all of the energy and emotion I can muster.
Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.
___
Editor’s note: Entries may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
