The 2022 Run Any Race season roster consisted of 71 runners who participated in various races across the globe in support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. This program enables runners to do their part to help Dana-Farber prevent, treat, and defy cancer, in an accessible manner that doesn’t require them to travel to the Greater Boston area to participate. Run Any Race had a record-setting year in 2022, with $1.07 million raised to support Dana-Farber’s race toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.
Many team members run to honor a loved one who has been affected by cancer. Andrew Kaczynski, captain of Team Beans and the top fundraiser for 2022, ran in honor of his daughter, Francesca, who passed away before her first birthday from a rare brain tumor. Twenty-two team members joined him and collectively they raised $722,962 to benefit the Infant Brain Tumor Program at Dana-Farber. “Each clinical trial and research effort gets us closer to better treatments,” said Andrew. “We want to see a world where fewer families have to bear the loss of their child or watch them suffer.”
Greg Russell, another pediatric patient parent, ran the Spartan Race at Fenway Park to show his gratitude for the care that his daughter, Emma, has received from the Childhood Leukemia Program team. Greg, also a Dana-Farber patient himself, was motivated to run to thank Dana-Farber for saving his daughter’s life. “They met the challenge, so it was my turn to make sure other families receive the same care and support that we have received,” said Greg.
Margaret Lai registered for Run Any Race not once, but twice during the 2022 season—running the NYC Half and New York City Marathon in honor of her mother who is being treated at Dana-Farber for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Margaret credits the professionalism and care that she and her family have felt at the Institute as the reason for choosing to make more meaning with her miles. “As a scientist, I recognize how important research is to the continuous fight against cancer,” shares Margaret. “I hope that my fundraising efforts support the establishment and maintenance of programs that help patients, both mentally and physically, and just makes what they’re going through easier if possible.”
For more stories about the impact of philanthropy at Dana-Farber, please visit DanaFarberImpact.org.