Above: Nancy Gould is one of 24 Southborough residents running in this year’s Boston Marathon (contributed photo)
Southborough has always had an impressive showing at the Boston Marathon, and this year is no exception. On Monday, April 15, twenty-four Southborough residents will don a bib a run for themselves and for causes they hold dear.
Every runner has a story, and from now until marathon day, I’ll feature as many of those stories as I can on the blog. First up is Nancy Gould who is running with the Dana Farber team in memory of her mother Peggy Boltz who died of pancreatic cancer. Here’s Nancy’s story.
My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2000 and was treated at Dana Farber. Thanks to her determination and force of will; and their amazing, talents, facilities, and research, she was able to live for five more years. She was the proudest one in the room at my wedding, and I was so happy to tell her that I was pregnant. It absolutely broke my heart that she passed away three months before Lee was born, but we agreed that she could be her guardian angel.
I’ve never been a super athlete – my family was always more of the band and drama type, but I’m taking on this challenge in thanks to everyone who did it before me – raising money that led to the research that kept my mom alive those five years. I’d like that research to continue to thrive, so that someone else can have more time, even a lifetime, with their loved ones.
If you’ll be in Boston April 15, I hope you’ll watch the marathon and cheer me on! My teammates and I have been training with thousands of special people in mind and hope in our hearts. On race day, thoughts of those special people will carry us to the finish line when the going gets tough.
I have committed to raising $8,000 (but really would like to raise $10,000!!) by race day. I know that’s a lofty goal, but I know we can do it! I truly appreciate any and all support!!!
At last check, Nancy had raised $9,200. Won’t you help her reach $10,000? Donate online here.
[If you’re running the Boston Marathon and would like to have your story featured, drop me a line at mysouthborough@gmail.com]
