Catherine Macaluso is running Boston in memory of her mother
"Being so young (13) and the oldest of six kids, I turned to running to cope with my pain."
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: Catherine Macaluso
Age: 26
From: Duxbury, Massachusetts
Bib #: 27268
This April 15th, I will be running my fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in memory of my amazing mother, Lisa Macaluso.
My mom, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer called small cell carcinoma when I was 10 years old. She passed away after a two-and-a-half-year battle. Being so young (13) and the oldest of six kids, I turned to running to cope with my pain.
This November will be the 14th anniversary of my mom’s passing. We miss her every single day, but running and raising money for other cancer patients has kept her memory alive.
This will be my third year running for South Shore Health Systems — where, in coordination with Dana-Farber, my mom was treated during her fight. I feel humbled to be able to give back to a place near and dear to my heart. They not only took great care of my mom, but my dad and my five siblings and me, who were incredibly overwhelmed.
I am very excited for this Marathon Monday!
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.
