Sarah Aili Hay-Smith lost her dad to cancer in 2017. Now she’s running Boston for him.
"I will be thinking of my dad every mile and every step."
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: Sarah Aili Hay-Smith
Age: 26
From: Somerville, Massachusetts
Bib #: 25416
My name is Sarah Aili Hay-Smith, and I am running on the Dana-Farber team to honor my dad whom I lost to cancer. I lost my dad after a 16-month struggle in July 2017.
I feel very fortunate that I was able to spend so much time with my dad, he saw me grow up and graduate high school and college. Of course I would like more time, but life is not perfect and I am just going to embrace the cards I was given and accept that there is never enough time. I remember my last day with my dad; he was in his bed at our house in Oregon, and I leaned over, took his hand, and told him, “I love you.” I heard him whisper it softly back — simple, but it is never forgotten. That act of a small touch was all I needed to tell my dad that I am here with him.
This is my cancer journey, and it really changed me. I want to live in the moment of every day and second. I don’t know what the next day brings, but I know that today brings sun, laughter, amazing friendships, new experiences and adventures to be had. Looking forward to embarking on 26.2 in April, and I will be thinking of my dad every mile and every step.
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.
