My mom passed away in November 2014 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. The two and a half years she was sick were incredibly difficult, but even on the worst days, she refused to stop pushing forward and never let her illness slow her down.

Thanks to my mom’s amazing attitude and the wonderful doctors, nurses, and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering, she was able to live her life to the fullest while she was sick—working full-time (which she loved), celebrating milestones, and spending time with the people she cared about most.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a decade without her. I think about her daily and try to channel her incredible grit and resilience in everything I do. This September, I’ll be honoring my mom’s “I can do hard things” attitude by running the Berlin Marathon.

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of her passing, I’ve set the goal of raising $10,000 for Memorial Sloan Kettering.

MSK's world-class research and care gave my mom 2.5 valuable years to spend with family, friends, colleagues, and students. I am endlessly thankful to the doctors, nurses, and researchers who helped keep her comfortable and do what she loved for as long as she could.

I’m so honored to be running the marathon as part of Fred’s Team – MSK’s official running program, named in honor of New York City Marathon co-founder and MSK patient Fred Lebow.

Thank you so much for your support!!!!

Casey