Why They Run: Fred’s Team Runners Take on the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon

“I dedicate my miles to my family, friends, coworkers, and the amazing team at MSK, because even though there were times when my cancer diagnosis felt incredibly scary, they were there for me every step of the way. I run in celebration of how far I’ve come since my diagnosis five years ago.” — Laura Morley

“I dedicate my miles to keeping innovative research going at MSK. As a doctor, I know breakthroughs have the potential to significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients, and Fred's Team provides the important funding that can help make it possible.” — Marcel van den Brink, Head of the Division of Hematologic Oncology at MSK

“I dedicate my miles to my son, Sam, who is not only living life, but also thriving as he pursues a career in oncology nursing. My son and I are both cancer survivors and I am forever grateful for the research that saved our lives. My way of saying thank you is to raise money for research that may one day save someone else's child.” — Shawn Guertin

“I dedicate my miles to my mother, who lost her battle with cancer last year. As a hidden child during the Holocaust, my mother truly understood the importance of charity and spent her lifetime paying it forward. And I continue to do the same in her legacy.” — Laurence Hasson

“I dedicate my miles to my cousin who was diagnosed with breast cancer the same year she qualified for the TCS New York City Marathon. Catherine did not survive her battle with cancer. So I'm going to cross the finish line for both of us.” — Christine Mullarkey

On November 5, the 875 members of Fred’s Team will take to the starting line of the TCS New York City Marathon with one finish line in mind: a world without cancer.

That’s been the goal every year since 1995, the year Fred’s Team began and became the first charity partner of the marathon. The group is named for Fred Lebow, a co-founder of the marathon who was treated for brain cancer at MSK in the early 1990s and passed away in 1994.

To honor Mr. Lebow’s memory, team members run and raise money that directly supports cancer research and care at MSK. Since its founding, the team has raised more than $75 million to support more than 50 areas of cancer research.

Meet a few Fred’s Team runners above and learn how they’re dedicating their miles.