I am so honored to be running the 128th Boston Marathon in support of TargetCancer! I was introduced to TargetCancer through my wife, Sonya, who has worked alongside TargetCancer for the last 10+years. In that time, I've had the distinct honor of getting to know the incredible history and impact of TargetCancer in the field of advancing treatments for rare cancers.

I, like so many others, have had family and friends affected by different forms of cancer. My mom and grandmother were both diagnosed with (very) early stage breast cancer and survived due to early detection and well-researched treatment options. Not all cancer patients are afforded the same prognosis and options. There is a lack of resources to fund research and specialized treatment of rarer, less known forms of cancer. TargetCancer is changing all of that.

TargetCancer is not only funding research and directly supporting patients, they are running a nationwide clinical trial for patients with rare cancer types that connects them to the best treatment no matter where they are in the country. I urge you to take a look at TargetCancer's website to read more about the extraordinary work they are doing.

Lastly, it's important to me when I ask friends and family for donations that I know the organization will use the money raised for the cause. I can say with 100% certainty that any amount you can give will make an immediate and lasting impact in the field of research and treatment of rare cancers. TargetCancer is a small (yet mighty) nonprofit with a low overhead and every dollar fundraised for them is used directly towards their mission.

At this point you may be fully on board with donating to TargetCancer but thinking to yourself, "But, Emlen, why run 26.2 miles?" The Boston Marathon became a big part of my life when I was in college at Boston College-the energy on Marathon Monday was second to none and it quickly became my favorite day of the year. It has become more and more special through the years, not only on a larger scale as being synonymous with the strength of this city, but on a personal level. Sonya and I met on Marathon Monday, at a mutual friend's post-race gathering (shout-out to Martina, the Boston Marathon OG!!!). We celebrate this anniversary every year by returning to cheer on the runners and now bring Leela and Auggie along to help us cheer on their "special auntie", Katy, who crushes the course year after year. And each year, surrounded by the infectious energy of runners and crowd alike, I think to myself, "I HAVE to run this one day." Well, friends, that day is here. I turn 40 in May 2024 and what better way to celebrate this milestone birthday than by running the most iconic Marathon in the world (ok, the most iconic Marathon in MY world, at least).

There would be no better 40th birthday gift for me than for you to support my run by donating to TargetCancer. Thank you, thank you, thank you!