[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are humbled to have such a talented, dedicated group of runners supporting us at the Boston Marathon this year! Their hard work, determination and tireless efforts on behalf of our families is truly inspiring. We are grateful for their support and for the generosity of John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program and Boston Magazine, who graciously provide organizations like ours with marathon entries to help spur fundraising and generate awareness. Help us reach our goal and inspire our runners by donating here. Every little bit brings us closer to the finish line!

As Marathon Monday quickly approaches, we asked our runners a few questions to help our Boston community get to know them:

• Is this your first marathon?
• Why run Boston?
• How does the Family Reach mission inspire you?
• What is your pre-race plan?
• Which Family Reach family is motivating you?

Check out their answers below and get ready to cheer them on this Monday, April 17! In town for the race? Stop by our office on the 4th floor of 142 Berkeley Street for our post-marathon reception.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Joe Theis (our top fundraiser!)

• This is my fourth marathon and third Boston Marathon. I haven’t run Boston since 2004!
• My friends’ son, Fritz, was diagnosed with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in January 2016, just before his fourth birthday. After visiting them over Christmas break, I was inspired to commit to running Boston for Fritz.
• Family Reach is an amazing organization that inspires me through its impact on families like my friends’.
• Plan? Haha! There is no plan other than a normal weekend with the family. That means coaching a couple of soccer games on Saturday and enjoying Easter on Sunday.
• Elle, 5 years old, acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

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Erin Hynes

• This will by my fifth marathon, second time running Boston.
• In 2014, I crossed the Boston Marathon finish line in memory of my dad and it helped bring closure to his unexpected passing. Since then, I knew I had to run it again and my focus had to be on something greater than myself. When Tommy (fellow runner and President of Xcenda) asked about my interest in running the 2017 Boston Marathon for Family Reach, I knew the answer immediately.
• Reaching the Boston Marathon finish line seems like a small step in comparison to what families battling cancer go through every day. Family Reach’s mission to be a financial lifeline for these families has inspired me during every mile.
• The plan this weekend is to head to the North End with Tommy on Saturday for some real-good Italian.
• Ashlynn, 12 years old, medulloblastoma.

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Tommy Bramley

• No – this will be my 12th marathon.
• Lifetime goal to run Boston. Glad I can now run Boston for such a worthy cause!
• Being a part of an international consulting firm passionate about creating healthier futures, I was drawn to the mission of supporting families in need as they navigate the complexities of an oncology diagnosis. Family Reach makes an incredible difference for these families and I am proud to support them.
• Relax and eat some Easter candy for marathon fuel!
• In memory of Kyley, 17 years old, synovial sarcoma.

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Carey Frasca

• This is going to be my fourth marathon and my third Boston!
• I am a proud Bostonian and, after the marathon bombing, knew I had to do more than spectate. Boston is one of a kind. The energy in the city is amazing in the weeks leading up to the race and on race day. It feels like the entire city is running the race with you.
• So many stresses come with a cancer diagnosis. I believe that Family Reach’s role in minimizing the financial stress allows families to focus on what is important – getting their child healthy again.
• An easy run over to the finish line and checking out the expo helps build the excitement!
• Madison, 8 years old, acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

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Daniel Ruggles

• This is my first marathon!
• Last Marathon Monday, I remember thinking that at some point I wanted to run. That opportunity presented itself when Family Reach offered a marathon bib at a presentation to my company. I knew I had to take it.
• I work at Foundation Medicine on a team that deals a lot with cancer treatment options and the patient’s disease status.  It has been so important for me to learn through Family Reach about the financial burden of cancer, a side I don’t think many people think about often.
• I am having a slumber party with a friend whose family’s home is near the start line. I’ve requested a pasta dinner and a movie. The movie…tbd.
• Emma, 12 years old, osteosarcoma.

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Kerri Murphy

• This is my third marathon and my second time running Boston!
• After several half marathons, I decided to check an item off my bucket list – running a full 26.2 miles. I was shocked when I qualified and got into Boston 2016! It was a great race. I qualified again and am back for Boston 2017.
• I am humbled and honored to run for Family Reach in memory of our friend’s son, Jack, who fought cancer and left his family far too soon at the age of four. Until Jack was fighting his battle, we never realized the amount of increased spending that a family fighting cancer faces.
• Easter sunrise service, egg hunting, maybe a little baseball (we love going to the fields to cheer on Jack’s brothers in our southern accents!) and a mimosa for me. Mimosas count as carb loading, right?
• In memory of Jack, 4 years old, neuroblastoma.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”13560″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Encourage our runners and give them some love on social media! Tag @jhboston26 and @familyreach and use the hashtags #BeBoston and #ReachAthletes to demonstrate your support![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]