Erica Marino is running in memory of a family friend diagnosed with seven types of cancer

"Sure it will be tough, but it's nothing like what Gary or anyone dealing with cancer has to go through."

Erica Marino is running the Boston Marathon for the Massachusetts General Hospital Pediatric Oncology Team. Erica Marino

By Madelaine Millar

February 26, 2020

2 minutes to read

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. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your #WhyImRunningBoston story here.

Name: Erica Marino
Age: 42
From: Fremont, New Hampshire

My name is Erica Marino, and I’m running my third Boston Marathon (third time’s a charm) this year for Massachusetts General Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Team. I became involved with this amazing organization when a family friend asked if I would run in memory of her son Gary Letourneau who was diagnosed with Cancer at the age of 13 who went on to be diagnosed with seven different types of cancers and fought his courageous battle until the age of 30 when sadly he lost his life.

When his mother Susan Letourneau asked me if I would run for her son, I was a new runner and never someone would have considered herself in the category of a marathoner, but that changed quickly. I thought to myself, a marathon? Sure it will be tough, but it’s nothing like what Gary or anyone dealing with cancer has to go through, so yes, I will do it for them all!

I reside in New Hampshire where the winters are brutally cold and windy, and of course the roads are challenging with no sidewalks, but my team of supporters join me in every step to get those training miles in and they also help me fundraise too! I truly believe that the past three years has brought something out of me that I never knew existed and for what an amazing cause! Not only do I feel it has changed me for the better, but it has brought out some of the most incredible community supporters who are behind me every step of the way. They join me on short and long training runs and help me put together the most amazing fundraisers along with my friend and MGH teammate Sara Cloutier. Sara runs in memory of her Father Bob Cloutier, who was treated at MGH and sadly passed away three years ago from the disease.

I feel humbled to have the experiences that I’ve had and to keep Gary’s memory alive.

Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.