My brother, Greg, and I want to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with Blood Cancer United in honor of my best friend’s mom, Susan, who passed away last February from primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). My brother and I are passionate about supporting an organization that funds research to find better treatments and ultimately a cure.
After nearly passing away from a brain hernia on February 28, 2012, Susan was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of viewing that day with fear, she turned it into her “Celebrate Life Day,” honoring the second chance she had been given to be on earth with her family and friends. Over the next 13 years, despite going through several procedures, chemotherapy, and having to relearn how to walk and talk, she remained positive each and every day. She beat cancer not once, not twice, but four different times. She even referred to herself as Super Spectacular Survivor Susan. On February 28, 2025, exactly 13 years to the day after her diagnosis — and the day she referred to as her “Celebrate Life Day” — Susan passed away.
Susan meant the world to her husband and to her four children, one of whom is my best friend, Brooke. She also meant the world to me. Despite what she was going through, she always welcomed me into her home with a big smile on her face and open arms. Even when cancer started to affect her cognitive abilities, she still asked me about all of the little details of my life. I miss Susan, her positivity, big hugs, and seeing her on walks in town. But most of all, I miss that she is no longer around for her family.
This marathon isn’t just a race for me. It’s a way to honor her life, support families going through what hers did, and contribute in some small way toward finding a cure. If Susan could fight cancer for 13 years with a smile, I can certainly run 26.2 miles in her honor.
Eve
Friend and supporter
