London Marathon 2021
Samantha Mackie is raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK
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Question: These are two of many inspiring and tough fighters that braved the day with their determination and strength to defy the odds and battle against pancreatic cancer.
Answer: Who are Jorge Kaufmann, Alex Trebek, and the 460,000 others around the world impacted by pancreatic cancer.
I will be running the London Marathon in honor of them and their families and the hopes that we can work to make a difference through support, research, and campaigning for change.
Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most commonly occurring cancer in men and the 11th most commonly occurring cancer in women.
While survival rates have improved enormously for most cancers, this is not the case with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer UK is working diligently towards transforming the future for everyone with pancreatic cancer, so that everyone battling this disease survives to live long and well.
With your contribution, together we can take on the fight against pancreatic cancer.
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"Over the past few years, I have had the gift of watching Sam conquer goals and persistently challenger her inner strength and determination. It’s refreshing to see someone push themselves to grow and grab hold of the dreams they desire. She is truly a role model for all her friends and family - and is someone I cherish to have in my life.
Looking back to the 2018 Boston Marathon, out in the rain and snow, Sam never relented. She is someone who will fight alongside of you for the things that matter most and that is exactly what she is doing for my father’s memory, for my family, and for all those affected by pancreatic cancer.
I know my dad, Jorge, is humbled by her thoughtfulness. He was truly a special soul who admired Sam greatly and was always interested in her adventures traveling, aspirations, and family. He radiated warmth, compassion, and treated Sam and the Lasell girls as his own.
Please join us in raising money for Sam to run the 2021 London Marathon on behalf of him and the hundreds of thousands others affected by this cancer. Thank you!"
-Kristina Kaufmann
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I will be running the London Marathon 2021 for Pancreatic Cancer UK in honor of Jorge Kaufmann.
He battled an unexpected diagnoses of pancreatic cancer and fought back with such bravery and strength - never allowing the cancer to take away his determination to defy the odds - a journey that was nothing short of inspiring.
He was a man who went by many names from 'Papa Kauf', to the 'Most Interesting Man in the World', and to all his family and friends and loved ones - hero.
When writing to the Pancreatic Cancer UK for my application to be a part of the team, I reflected on a fond memory I had of my close friend Kristina's father.
It was her sister Angela's going away party for the USAF and her’s for her journey to Italy for study abroad. Their home was overflowing with family and friends and loved ones. I remember Papa Kauf lighting up each room he arrived in, his face beaming with absolute joy and pride for his daughters that he couldn’t stop sharing stories of them with everyone. It was evident that this man would travel to the moon and back for them if given the chance.
When the party continued out into the back yard, he joined us for many lawn games like corn hole and frisbee - you would have thought he was the fifth roommate of our college group. His fun energy and free-spirited nature was contagious and limitless.
While everyone sat down to relax and enjoy refreshments, he flowed from table to table sharing his delight for Kristina and Angela’s mother’s cooking and decorating, his admiration for the women in his life was a sight to behold.
I remember leaving that day feeling lucky to have been able to be a part of that moment and to meet a family tied together by such a strong love and dedication for each other.
It is both a privilege and an honor to run for Papa Kauf, his family and loved ones.
I hope each step leading up to the London Marathon and beyond brings the Pancreatic Cancer UK closer to working towards a world where every pancreatic cancer surviver lives long and well and that we carry the legacy of those affected by the disease with us into the future.