Madi Klonsinski is running Boston in memory of Olivia Brodt
"While Olivia lost her battle on April 2, 2017, she lives on through everyone she touched in her short 20 years."
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: Madi Klonsinski
Age: 22
From: Madison, Wisconsin
Bib #: 26022
April 2 will mark two years since we lost Olivia Brodt — Babson college student, Barnstable local, and my best friend — to a rare form of childhood cancer. Olivia was an emblem of grace, selflessness, and passion. It wasn’t short after that I decided I wanted to raise money in memory of Olivia. While Olivia’s last year was full of sickness and struggle, that’s not how I or her family wanted her to be remembered by. Instead by the life that Olivia led, even through her battle with ARMS (Avelolar Rhabdomyosarcoma) she looked for ways to help others, continuously stayed involved in school where she could, and never let her sickness consume her.
In effort to do so, her family recommended Dream Big!, which is a non-profit that aims to break the barrier between financial stability and athletic involvement for young women throughout Boston. Olivia, an athlete herself, had an unrivaled passion for volleyball and dance. She grew up playing (and standing out) in every sport she tried. She used sports to develop her leadership skills, and even pushed her volleyball career to the collegiate level at Babson College. By raising funds for Dream Big! we’re giving back to all the other little girls who can grow up to be strong independent young women through sports, just like Olivia was, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
While Olivia lost her battle on April 2, 2017, she lives on through everyone she touched in her short 20 years. This is why I am running the Boston Marathon.
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.
