Ben's Annual Tradition

This is Ben Strevens’ fourth year in a row running the NYC Marathon in honor of his mother, Anne Linford, and his uncle, Bob Linford. Anne was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2000, and in 2007, against all probability, Bob too was diagnosed. Ben runs annually for these two special people, both of whom demonstrated grace, courage and determination in their respective battles against the disease. Running the NYC Marathon has “become an annual tradition” for Ben, who has also participated in the Empire State Building Run-Up in years past. Though both Anne and Bob have passed, the vast progress that has been made in treating this disease gives Ben hope that keeps him running each year.

Amanda Runs for Those Who Can't

Amanda Glendinning changed her life through running, and she is taking on the NYC Marathon for those who cannot run, as she herself could not a few years ago. When she was 15, Amanda was diagnosed with lupus, and the painful disease severely limited her physical activity. Just a few years ago, she decided to take control of her life and become more active. In the process, she lost 83 pounds and she went from being unable to run more than 30 seconds to completing two marathons in two months! Today she is a much healthier, more satisfied person and her lupus is under control. She is thankful that last year’s NYC Marathon was her first, and not her last marathon with the MMRF PowerTeam. “I think those who came to the marathon can attest that I did not stop smiling the entire time that I ran it,” she says. “I ran it despite my lupus and despite the barriers that I've encountered. I ran it for those who cannot run. I ran because I have not been able to run in the past and I might not be able to run in the future…but I can run now.” There are still days when the lupus flares up, but inspired by the people she runs for, Amanda finds the strength to overcome it and press on.

A Great Cause and A Lot Of Fun!

Tim carrying his daughter across the finish line

No matter what race he tackles, New Yorker Tim Fallon never fails to amaze, surprise and entertain! A self-described “father/trader/triathlete,” Tim is always easy to spot in a crowd of athletes with his height, larger-than-life personality and, of course, his crazy costumes! In last year’s NYC Marathon, Tim was looking especially classy running 26.2 miles in a white tuxedo, and at this year’s NYC Half Marathon he was a man of steel in a full superman outfit! We don’t know what he will be dressed as this time, but Tim is never to be outdone. His penchant for theatrics and athletic drive are only matched by his enthusiasm for the MMRF, which is apparent each time he runs a race!

It All Started With Trying Something New...

For Jeremy Beer, “It all started with the Empire State Building Run Up.” Jeremy works for Celgene, a pharmaceutical company that works closely with the MMRF to develop and distribute treatments for multiple myeloma. Celgene is the national sponsor for the run up, and company employees were encouraged to field a team for the event. When no other employees signed up to represent the company, Jeremy, then a temp worker, stepped up to the challenge. Jeremy had a great time at the event, and he became more and more impressed with the MMRF as he learned more about it. So impressed, in fact, that he entered the Five Boro Bike Tour, the NYC Triathlon and the NYC Triathlon with the PowerTeam that same year! Through the events, Jeremy met several multiple myeloma patients who made him realize just how meaningful his racing was to them. Whenever training feels tough, he thinks of the struggles cancer patients face and how he’s helping them. “Someone at the NYC Marathon told me, ‘If you think running 26.2 miles is hard, try fighting cancer,'” he says. “When I think about that, my pain vanishes, my determination takes over, and I think if they can do it, I can do it.”

After Three Attempts, Debbie Will Finish!

This is the third time Debbie Jacob will attempt to run the NYC Marathon with the MMRF. When she attempted to run it in 2009, her husband’s multiple myeloma sent him to the hospital one week prior to the race. The next year, Debbie’s husband passed away 6 days before the race after 5 years of heroically battling the disease. Debbie is running the race for her husband, as well as the patients she helps every day as a nurse specializing in oncology. Finishing the race I her husband’s memory means everything to Debbie, after five years of seeing him fight the disease and two failed attempts to complete the race. This is Debbie’s third attempt at the NYC Marathon, and she is going to finish the race for her husband.

Making Progress Possible

Jennifer's Mom

Jennifer White’s mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at a fairly young age. She is still in the smoldering stage today, a miracle that Jennifer and her family attribute to the drug protocols her mom was put on in the disease’s early stages. These medications would not exist without the research conducted by organizations like the MMRF and the generosity all of the people who contributed to their work. “I believe that events like the ING NYC Marathon really do impact people like my mother and extend their lives,” says Jennifer. Thanks to these medical advances, her mother has been blessed to be able to see both her daughters married, and she has gotten to know her three grandchildren!

Molly Gives Back

In running the NYC Marathon with the PowerTeam, Molly Byrnes hopes to give back to an organization that helped give her grandmother a little more time and better medical treatment toward the end of her life. Molly’s grandmother died of multiple myeloma, and when Molly finally had the opportunity to run the NYC marathon, she chose to do it with the PowerTeam. For Molly, running in her grandmother’s memory makes the race much more meaningful, and she hopes her efforts will help advance the cure!

Jim Runs For His Wife, Becky

2008 was a difficult year for Jim Williams and his wife Becky, to say the least. Becky was diagnosed with multiple myeloma that year, and she was very ill following the diagnosis. Her frequent stays at the hospital included lengthy stints in the intensive care unit. During her three-week recovery period following a stem cell transplant that same year, Jim started running. He’d never run much more than a 5K before, but Jim pushed himself in his physical training and he has come a long way; since 2009, he has completed five marathons, not to mention several half marathons and many shorter races! Jim cherishes every moment he spends with Becky, and in 2010, they celebrated her remission with a trip to Greece, during which he ran the original marathon course on its 2,500^th anniversary. This is Jim’s second race with the MMRF, and he is running it for Becky.

From an Old Habit to a New Passion

Korey Shoreb first began running last year when he quit smoking as a strategy to control his cravings. In the process of ditching an old habit he discovered a new passion, and he has been a distance runner ever since! “It turned out that I really enjoyed doing it and it helped me clear my head,” he said. “It's my spirituality.” Korey could not get a bib through the NYC Marathon Lottery, so he opted to partner with the MMRF to get in the race. Korey did not know much about the organization, but once he started raising money, he found that several of his friends and family members have been touched by multiple myeloma. “It has put a whole new meaning behind doing this marathon,” he says. “I love helping other people; I believe that is my purpose on this earth today.”

Barbara's Final Marathon

Barbara Brown started running “by accident” after knee surgery three years ago. Since then, she has been in and out of the hospital for numerous surgeries on her spine, but that hasn’t kept her from staying active! Despite a back condition, she has run in numerous races, and though she never claims to be fast, she always finishes strong. “My mantra is: ‘First or last, it’s the same finish line,” she says. Barbara’s best friend’s niece has multiple myeloma, and though she was in remission for a time her cancer is active again. Barbara is running this race for her; it will be her second marathon, as well as her last. Yet another back surgery may force Barbara to hang up her running shoes, but that’s just another reason to make this race count!