Katelyn Pine is running Boston in memory of her grandpa
"My grandpa was one of my biggest supporters and always encouraged me to pursue my passions."
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 15, 2019.
Name: Katelyn Pine
Age: 23
From: Newfields, New Hampshire
Bib #: 25607
I’m running the 2019 Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber in memory of my grandpa, Gerald Pine, whose 10-year anniversary of death from pancreatic cancer will fall just four days before the big race. My grandpa was one of my biggest supporters and always encouraged me to pursue my passions. When I wanted to be the next Jane Goodall, he bought me her biography and helped me find out as much as possible about her research. When I was interested in learning more about American history, he took me to all the notable houses and sites of the Revolutionary War in the Greater Boston area. He taught me to embrace my education, to cherish my family, to relish in a good meal, and to never turn down the chance to take a nap.
It is the pain of his absence that I felt at graduations, that I feel knowing there are people in my life who will never meet him, and that I know I will feel on days to come, that motivate me to run in his memory. I run because I never got the chance to say, “Thank you,” for everything he did for me. But most importantly, I run so others may have more time to spend with their loved ones. I run so my best friend’s mom can see her accomplish her dreams. I run so none of my marathon teammates ever hear the word “cancer” again.
Training for a marathon is by far the hardest thing I have ever done, but it doesn’t even compare to what cancer patients go through every day. I am honored to be a part of a team raising money to reach the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.
Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.
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Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
