Local runs on Dana-Farber’s team in B.A.A. Half Marathon

Sept. 27, 2017 | Payton North
payton@thereminder.com



EAST LONGMEADOW – The 17th annual Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Half Marathon is taking place on Oct. 8 and one East Longmeadow resident is running in the half marathon on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s team.

Chelsea Bernard of East Longmeadow is planning to run in October at the B.A.A. Half Marathon in an effort to raise money for cancer research and patient care.

“Like so many people today I have many friends and family members who have been affected by cancer and it is such an awful disease.  I’ve seen and felt the pain it causes so I feel passionate about doing what I can to help find a cure,” Benard said.    

Bernard decided to join Dana-Farber’s team as she was affiliated with an internship at the Jimmy Fund, and it sparked her desire to do more for the organization.

“In addition to wanting to raise money for cancer research and patient care, I knew I wanted to do it specifically for Dana-Farber.  Last year I did my first co-op at the Jimmy Fund, which is the fundraising arm for Dana-Farber,” Bernard said.

“This organization is truly amazing and I feel so passionate about their mission.  After working there and seeing first hand how important their fundraising efforts are I knew I wanted to run for them.”

Bernard won’t be alone on the Dana-Farber team.  Annually, thousands of individuals run for Dana-Farber in various different races.

“Hundreds of Dana-Farber team members will raise awareness and at least $750 each to support adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber.  Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund have sponsored the B.A.A. Half Marathon for 15 years.  During this time, runners on the Dana-Farber team has raised more than $6 million to fuel lifesaving work at the Institute,” a release provided by Dana-Farber stated.

“It’s wonderful to see each year that our team members are as committed to finding cures for cancer as they are to reaching their personal fitness goals, and the entire Dana-Farber and Jimmy Fund community is grateful for their dedication,” Assistant Vice President of Running Programs Jan Ross said.  “We’re thrilled to have both longtime runners and first-time participants join the Dana-Farber team for next month’s race.”

In the past, Bernard has participated in various fundraising events including Relay for Life and the Union Street Tavern Trot.  Additionally, Bernard is partaking in a co-op at One Summit.

“It’s a non-profit who’s mission is to build courage, self-confidence and resilience in pediatric cancer patients and their families through mentorship with U.S. Navy Seals and experiential learning of indoor rock climbing.”

To donate to Bernards page, go to www.RunDanaFarber.org click support a runner, and search her name under the B.A.A. Half Marathon.

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