With exciting track competitions unfolding and lined up in the Olympic year, all eyes now turn to the capital of Massachusetts, Boston, for the Boston Marathon 2024. Presented by Bank of America, this year’s edition is scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2024. The 128th edition of this iconic race will see a field of 30,000 athletes from diverse backgrounds and skill levels converging to run the challenging 26.2-mile course.
From Hopkinton to Boston, Massachusetts, the marathon route stretches, attracting an inspiring array of participants. Among them, 53-year-old Michelle O’Brien from Needham stands out, triumphing over a double cancer diagnosis and driven by a fervent determination to raise awareness. Yet, she is not alone. Alongside her stands Colm Homan, impassioned by a noble cause, joining countless others in this shared journey of hope and determination.

Michelle O’Brien’s noble aim at the Boston Marathon 2024

According to Boston.com, 53-year-old Michelle O’Brien from Needham is participating in her first Boston Marathon along with her oldest daughter, Kate. This remarkable decision comes merely a year after Michelle celebrated a significant milestone: being declared cancer-free in July 2023. She shared in the “Why I’m Running” series, “Kate and I are running 26.2 miles for Dana Farber because without a doubt they saved me and gave me room to breathe while their teams of specialists sorted out how we’d tackle my diagnosis, physically and mentally.”

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Despite the challenges she faced with the double cancer diagnosis, Michelle O’Brien found hope and support at Dana Farber, a renowned cancer treatment center. They provided her with the care she needed, both physically and mentally, allowing her to complete her treatments last July feeling stronger than ever.

Michelle’s participation in the Boston Marathon is not just a personal triumph but also a commitment to giving back. By joining the Dana-Farber Campaign, she aims to support groundbreaking research and provide hope to cancer patients worldwide. As we celebrate her inspiring journey, let us see how Michelle O’Brien, Colm Homan, and many other marathoners are aiming to raise awareness at the Boston Marathon 2024.

An army of goodwill ambassadors

Colm Homan, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Bermuda, has a multifaceted passion that intertwines his personal and professional life. Despite his demanding career, he’s deeply committed to long-distance running and fundraising for pediatric cancer research, particularly inspired by his family’s heartbreaking loss of their son to Ewing Sarcoma in 2023.

His journey into long-distance running started 12 years ago, evolving from shorter distances to completing 30 full marathons, including all six of the World Major Marathons. Through his running endeavors, Colm has raised over $125,000 for pediatric cancer research. This year, Colm is running in the 2024 Boston Marathon to raise awareness and funds for Boston Children’s Hospital’s pediatric cancer research program, honoring his son Eoghan’s battle with Ewing Sarcoma. Despite Eoghan’s passing, Colm continues his fundraising efforts, exceeding his goal and raising over $66,000 to date.

He shared, “Rare cancers like the one Eoghan suffered from receive practically no research funding and the first line treatment for it has hardly changed at all in the past 40 years.” Through his participation, Colm highlights the urgent need for research funding, especially for rare childhood cancers like Ewing Sarcoma. Colm’s campaign has garnered remarkable support from a diverse array of donors, showcasing the community’s dedication to combating pediatric cancers. As the marathon draws near, Colm stands alongside a multitude of individuals, each with their own inspiring mission.

From Melissa Lister, running to honor her father, to Jason Perry, dedicated to raising funds for Make-a-Wish, and Scott MacArthur, determined to support his sister’s cancer battle, the list of participants is extensive and filled with stories of courage and compassion. As the Boston Marathon 2024 unites thousands of running enthusiasts worldwide, they collectively amplify awareness and fundraising endeavors with a resounding message of hope and solidarity.

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