L I V I N G

That is what Katie Crowell did and always did at 100%.

F*@%!#& cancer brought Katie into my life, which pains me because it also took her from everyone in December 2021. I have not met one individual that L I V I N G the best life was done as Katie did it. She did not let anything stop her, not even metastatic breast cancer.

I have had the privilege of knowing Katie and her family since 2019, and wow, what an incredible family. The level of love between Katie and Mike and Katie and her two beautiful girls was a level 10+. She was L I V I N G her best life for not only herself but those around her.

Katie first was a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, PTA queen, avid runner, and second a cancer advocate/survivor. Watching her be these roles drew me to her and also pained me to watch. Katie showed up 100% for everyone/thing even when treatment side effects were interrupting her lifestyle. Yup! Queen of L I V I N G!

When visiting Katie and Mike in December (in hospice), I asked Katie if she would do me the honor of letting me run her memory. F*@%ed up, I know! But, having her and Mike’s blessing was important to me. With a big smile, Katie said yes, and that I made her day by asking and wanting to run for her.

Since 2014, I have participated in fundraising for five Boston Marathon as a Team JAF runner. However, I only ran (walked) in four marathons due to an injury in 2014. That makes the 126th Boston Marathon (God willing) my fifth time running (walking) in this historic race.

I am not sure there is a total of races Katie participated in, but if there is, it is well over 100. While battling cancer, she continued running, and what her doctor told her was to keep running; it will keep you going. So, imagine what it met to her family and friends when Katie stopped in the fall of 2021. I am not Katie and will never run even 90% of the races she has, but I will keep running (walking) in memory of her, no matter what.

Katie taught me L I V I N G can be done in many ways. I choose all the Katie ways!

Please help me pay tribute to Katie Crowell by raising $26,200 as a participant of the 126th Boston Marathon in her memory.

#KCrowell126 #Living4Katie