Running the London Marathon became a goal of mine since I finished the Chicago Marathon in 1999 and qualified for Boston.  In 2001, I ran Boston and received a Lottery entry for New York in 2006.  After finishing New York, I decided to take a break from marathon training and dabble in triathlons.  

Realizing my marathon race clock is ticking, I have tried since 2018 to receive a bid for London.  This year, I received one through the Sarcoma UK charity.   As you may know, my family and numerous of friends have had battles with Cancer. Sadly most of them lost their fight but with research and advancements,  my mom beat it in 2021.   The charity that offered me a spot to run the 2023 London Marathon is Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. 

A dear family friend, Lauren Hoffman was originally diagnosed with Sarcoma in 2014. She went into remission and returned in 2018.  Lauren was one of those people even before diagnosed was special.  She was a natural born leader, academically brilliant, athletically talented and was a "connector".  She was all conference in track and field as a college athlete, she completed her Masters as well as receiving two board certifications for orthotics and prosthetics while undergoing many surgeries and grueling treatments. She was very active in the young adult cancer community and presented with  an award as the leading fundraiser for CancerCon as well as for for her efforts in bringing awareness to the young adult cancer community. She received the Ambassador Award in New York City by Stupid Cancer and started LouBalm organic lip balm as a thank you for nurses and doctors who cared for her. Lauren launched a LouBalm web site with all proceeds going to young adult cancer organizations. Lauren lost her battle June, 2021.


This March, I will be running for Lauren and every family  who has lived through the diagnosis and treatment of any form of cancer.  I believe if they make medical advances with any type of cancer, every type will benefit.

 It is an honor to run and am very grateful for any donation.