Readers Say

Christine Saleeba is running her first marathon for Dana-Farber

"I am passionate about all that Dana-Farber has to offer and am excited to represent them as I take on a challenge of lifetime."

By James Bartlett

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.

Name: Christine Saleeba
Age: 37
From: Rehoboth

I am passionate about all that Dana-Farber has to offer and am excited to represent them as I take on a challenge of a lifetime.

This is my largest fundraising goal accompanied by the greatest physical challenge I will ever accomplish. I can’t imagine completing this journey with any other program. I am powered by the donors, but also all of those who have fought heroically as they have battled cancer themselves.

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I have never completed a marathon before, and never really had a desire to, but I’ve kind of always secretly wanted to run Boston. Once I got involved with Dana-Farber through the PMC, I knew I had to run for the DFMC. I’ve been especially inspired by a friend I’ve only met through Zoom, who lost her son to cancer about 18 months ago. Shelley and I met only a few months after she lost her 17-year-old son, Wyatt, to a rare form of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Shelley and I train weekly together through Zoom and she’s been a huge part in getting me to the start line. I know her son was amazing, because Shelley shines so bright when she tells me stories of Wyatt. I’m so honored to run for Wyatt and all of those who have bravely fought cancer.

I hope to help end this disease one day.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.