Sean Kennedy plans to conquer the Boston Marathon in support of cancer research.
Medford resident Sean Kennedy plans to tackle the 123rd Boston Marathon one step at a time this April.
On April 15, Kennedy will join thousands of others in the challenge to complete the 26-mile race, while raising money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team.
According to Jan Ross, assistant vice president of running programs at Dana-Farber, the institute is one of the world’s leading centers of cancer research and treatment for adults and children, focusing on patient-centered care, in which patients are seen not only by physicians and nurses, but also by specialists in other areas of cancer care, ensuring a holistic approach their treatment plan.
“I can see firsthand how funds raised from our running programs directly impact patient care and cancer research, working towards a world without cancer,” Ross said. “Dana-Farber has a lifesaving mission to provide expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and cures for cancer.”
With this year marking the second year Kennedy has supported Dana-Farber, he said he feels fortunate to once again raise money for the cause. Last year, Kennedy raised more than $20,000, dominating his required fundraising goal of $5,000.
“It gave me a chance to raise money for something that means a lot and for a place that plays a huge role in helping people to not only deal with, but hopefully find a cure for cancer,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said the organization is especially important to him because he has dealt with the death of his sister-in-law due to a rare form of stomach cancer, leading to him having custody of his niece.
“Boston being my favorite city, the Boston Marathon being as prestigious as it is, my personal family history with cancer and Dana-Farber being so important in all of that, it’s kind of like a whole bunch of things coming together,” Kennedy said. “I’m really fortunate to be able to participate in it.”
Kennedy has previously participated in various marathons and half-marathons across the country, including Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, but he said there is nothing quite like Boston.
“Not that there aren’t other great marathons across the country, but there’s really nothing like the entire city shutting down,” Kennedy said. “It’s an amazing day and it’s like a holiday in that area.”
Kennedy grew up a Boston Celtics basketball fan and took his first trip into the city while he was in college. He instantly fell in love with the city, saying that if he could relive his college years, he would attend a college in Boston.
He said he is looking forward to once again visiting the city and taking in all the experience has to offer.
“I’m looking just to finish it and raise money for a cause that I believe in and experience a great day of running through the city of Boston.”
To donate to Kennedy’s fundraising page, visit http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/SeanKennedy.
