FRED S TEAM MEET YOUR MENTORS MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER

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1 FRED S TEAM MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER MEET YOUR MENTORS Jill Ackerman ackermaj@mskcc.org I m the Administrative Manager in MSKCC s Department of Pediatrics. For many years, I oversaw the Marathon Sunday effort to bring pediatric patients outside, onto First Avenue, to watch our special team of runners. Cheering for Fred s Team at mile 17, alongside the children who directly benefit from the Team s fundraising ignited my interest in what seemed an impossible feat. It was such a thrill to watch Fred s Team members approach our young patients and give them high-fives. I knew the runners had sacrificed a lot to achieve their level of fitness. And they were doing it to help our patients receive the best treatments possible to cure their disease. I was never a runner, but I wanted to complete the ING NYC Marathon with Fred s Team. I began my first Fred s Team training program in spring 2006, and crossed the ING NYC Marathon finish line that November, pleased with my time of 4:36. I ve since run five consecutive ING NYC Marathons, each year raising funds for pediatric cancer research. The children in treatment and their families motivated me to attempt a physical challenge I never thought I d want to accomplish, and coaches Jeff and Ann helped me reach my goal. What I lacked in speed I gained in consistency by attending the mid-week training sessions, following the schedule, and adhering to the coaches tips. This is my third year as a mentor, and I m eager to share my experience with the other runners especially first-timers and those who lack the speed demon gene! Meg Braun megb1973@gmail.com In 2010, my friend Victoria was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at the age of 38. She was another in what felt like a string of friends and family members who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past decade. I felt completely helpless watching her go through her treatment and I wanted to do something. I realized that although I m not a doctor, I can help fundraise for the research needed to find a cure. I learned about Fred s Team from a good friend who ran in She said the Team offered a great training program with an amazing group of coaches and mentors. Knowing that I could direct my funds to breast cancer research, I joined and completed my first marathon in It was the most incredible, almost indescribable feeling when I crossed that finish line. I am definitely not among the fastest of runners, but I always finish. I am thrilled to be a mentor this year and I look forward to helping my fellow teammates reach their goals. If I can complete a marathon, anyone can! Page 1

2 Kennedy Carruthers I was eight years old when cancer, radiation and chemotherapy became part of my vocabulary; my dad was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and died two years later. Running a marathon had been on my bucket list and I decided to cross it off after watching the 2010 ING New York City Marathon. I was immediately inspired by the Fred s Team runners and knew that this cause would motivate me to run those 26.2 miles the following year. Crossing the finish line at the 2011 ING New York City Marathon felt mighty good, but I took away so much more as a member of Fred s Team. It s been a means of therapy a way to honor my dad and make an impact in the fight against cancer. It s also given me the opportunity to learn from the amazing coaches, meet new friends and run with others committed to the same cause. I m excited to share my enthusiasm for Fred s Team as a mentor this year. I hope to provide all the support and advice that I can to both new and veteran runners! John Fiore john.fiore@adp.com I was an on again, off again runner for a number of years until I decided to apply for the 2004 New York City Marathon I was lucky enough to be accepted as part of the lottery. In July of 2005, I found out my dad had stage 4 lung cancer, and he lost his battle later that year. Determined to run again, I went online and researched all of the charity organizations NYRR had to offer. I quickly registered with Fred s Team, and I ve since completed six marathons with the team! Fred s Team is much more than a way to get into the marathon; it s a vision. It s being part of a team focused on one goal: to cure cancer. There have been so many highlights I couldn t possibly list them all, but having my two boys, John and Michael, along with my wife, Elaine, get up at 4:15 AM on many Saturdays to accompany me into the city for our long runs is especially cool. I look forward to meeting everyone and providing whatever support I can to help you achieve your goals. I m excited for my first year as a mentor, and plan to be around for many more! Joe Flanagan jtflanagan1@verizon.net I applied for my first ING New York City Marathon in 2003, and was accepted via lottery. I was checking the mail one day and found an invitation to join Fred s Team to raise funds for pediatric cancer research via the Aubrey Fund at MSKCC. It was the only item in the mail that day. I was not the fundraising type and the thought did not thrill me, but a couple of months later I met Jeff at the Expo and subsequently, many Fred s Teamers. Well, it s been almost nine years later and eight ING New York City Marathons with Fred s Team and counting! I look forward to many more years with Fred s Team, as well as sharing whatever knowledge and experience I have gained to the Fred s Team running community. Train hard! Live well! Page 2

3 Marci Glotzer I ran my first ING New York City Marathon with Fred's Team in 2006 to celebrate my return to running after back surgery in I've been running with the team ever since, completing five marathons and one triathlon so far! Like many Fred's Team members, I have a personal connection to MSKCC. The program has a direct and positive impact on those being treated there, and this is what motivates me on days when I don't feel like training. I guarantee when you pass the hospital at Mile 17, you won't be able to imagine running with anyone else! Everything I learned about running, I learned the hard way, until I joined Fred's Team. The level of support you get from everyone coaches, staff and fellow runners is incomparable. Whether you're the fastest or slowest runner, you'll always have teammates to applaud your efforts and cheer you on. It's the most encouraging attitude a runner of any skill could hope for, and it's a major reason why I return year after year. Margaret Hodges mrs.margarethodges@yahoo.com I started running in January 2007 as a challenge to push myself and I slowly developed the big goal of completing a full marathon. No one was prouder than my father, whom I called after every long training run. When I crossed the finish line of the 2008 NYC Marathon my dad was there to celebrate with me and I felt like I had completed my mission and checked marathon off my list. In the winter of 2009, my dad was diagnosed with stage IV tongue and neck cancer. As I saw him struggle to survive, I felt I needed to do something more. I joined Fred s Team for the 2010 NYC Marathon to raise money for cancer research in my father s name. A marathon was EASY compared to what he was going through. Sadly, my father passed away that July and, due to an injury in late October, I was unable to run. I came back to train with Fred s Team last year, and brought my husband, who joined to run his first marathon. We loved waking up early on Saturday mornings to travel into the city to run with the team. I grew stronger and faster with the support and knowledge of the Fred s Team coaches and mentors, and I met lots of great friends along the way. After the cancellation of NYC 2012, my husband and I enjoyed a successful Philadelphia Marathon, along with several displaced Fred s Team runners. In 2013, I look forward to lots of laughs with the team, sharing my racing and fundraising tips and FINALLY running another NYC Marathon third time s the charm! Page 3

4 Brian Hotchkiss After running my first marathon in 2006, what started out as tackling the 'To Do' list, became part of everyday life. But running and racing all changed when my mother was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell cancer. At that point, it wasn't about me anymore. I wanted to do something to have my race mean something beyond a T-shirt and finish time. In 2008, that's exactly what I found when joining Fred's Team. My mother passed away later that year. Seeing her persevere during her battle, I came to understand the true meaning of strength and courage. It is within the mix of new and seasoned runners that I see these same qualities and the power of the human spirit as each one of us deals with this life-altering event in our own way. Being a part of this special group has been an incredible experience. I've learned along the way and made new friendships. The support and dedication of the staff, coaches and other runners helps make training a little easier and definitely more fun. Running with Fred's Team has helped me achieve my goals, and I look forward to helping others reach theirs. I'm proud to tackle the 26.2 miles of city streets in memory of my mother, as well as all of those still in the fight. Year after year, though it's another marathon, it's never another ordinary race. Abby Kaori abbykaorifredsteam@gmail.com I joined Fred s Team in 2006 when I ran my first marathon. In January 2006, I could barely run one mile. Through the constant guidance of Jeff and Ann, as well as relentless support and cheers from my fellow runners, on the first Sunday in November, I found myself at the start on Staten Island, feeling completely confident and comfortable. It was a far cry from the novice who didn t know what a singlet was in June. I owe all of this to Fred s Team! Since then, it s been my pleasure and privilege to be a part of the team as a runner and volunteer. It s been a wonderful journey in support of a great cause, and I hope to help you all experience a fantastic 2013 season! Jasmine Montoya jasmine.montoya82@gmail.com When I started running a few years ago, I never imagined it would become such a huge part of my life. In the beginning, I ran for exercise; but it was the sense of community and excitement at races that kept me coming back for more. When I decided to run the ING New York City Marathon, joining Fred s Team was the obvious choice. Being part of a team that benefits cancer research in such a huge way is inspiring, as are the people I ve met. I m looking forward to helping others succeed as members of Fred s Team, just as I have succeeded as a result of constant support from my teammates. Page 4

5 Rochelle Remily Being a part of Fred's Team has been one of the best experiences of my life. It has been a privilege and an honor to be associated with the many wonderful people who make up the Fred's Team Family. Our family and the great things it does for cancer research grow every year. The expertise of Fred's Team's dedicated coaches awakened my full potential as a runner and enabled me to complete my first ING New York City Marathon. I am inspired to do the same for others as a mentor. The motivation and discipline gained through my Fred's Team experience has carried over into every aspect of my personal and professional life. The benefits from running and giving to the Fred's Team cause have filled my heart with purpose and gratitude. This is a wonderful gift I want to share with others. I am a pre-surgical nurse at MSKCC. I see the urgent need to fund cancer research every day. I also see the many wonderful results of cancer research and am proud to know that Fred's Team plays an important role. It gives me great satisfaction to know I am part of such a noble effort. Melissa Varda vardamj@gmail.com I began my nursing career on the pediatric inpatient unit at MSKCC and on my first day, I agreed to run my second marathon this time with Fred s Team. From the initial team gathering, I was hooked! I ve witnessed the groundbreaking research that happens at MSKCC, made possible by funds raised through Fred s Team. My youngest brother was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in January He was the driving force and motivation to cross the finish line on November 6, 2011, along with the immense support from coaches Jeff and Ann. I ve now completed two consecutive ING NYC Marathons with Fred s Team, and I m excited to continue helping other runners cross the finish line! Kerry Williams williak5@mskcc.org I have been a nurse practitioner on the Head/Neck, Melanoma and Sarcoma inpatient service at MSKCC since On a daily basis, I see the devastating effects that cancer has on patients and their families. I chose to pursue a career in oncology because I have seen first-hand, through my mother and father s battles with cancer, the imminent need to participate in the movement to find a cure. I run in honor of my parents, who shared with me the love and passion for running. I joined Fred s Team in 2011 and from the very first training run to crossing the finish line of the ING New York City Marathon I was inspired and overcome by the passion, determination, and drive of my teammates. They motivated and encouraged me to complete the training runs especially going up dreaded cat hill. I m honored and excited to return this year as a mentor, and to play a part in everyone s journey to Looking forward to a great season! Page 5