In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for ’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.
Name: Amy Comander
Age: 51
From: Newton
On April 20, I am excited to run my 13th Boston Marathon and support the Ellie Fund. This year, I am running in honor of my remarkable patient Christina. Christina is truly an inspiration — she has run 20 marathons, and she has qualified for Boston 12 times!
Today Christina is facing a different challenge: treatment for advanced breast cancer. Despite numerous scans, biopsies, and chemotherapy (including recent enrollment in a clinical trial), she is an avid Peloton rider, and she embraces the mantra “exercise is medicine.” Christina greets everyone with her radiant smile. Her husband, Kevin, is by her side at every appointment.
During our clinic visits, Christina and I bond over running. Christina has shared: “I truly believe I have been able to get through this and all the ups and downs because of all the lessons I learned through marathon running.”
Christina is also familiar with my favorite mantra: “Every mile is a gift, and every finish line is a gift.”
The Ellie Fund lightens the daily load for patients like Christina who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The Ellie Fund’s mission is to reduce the burdens of everyday life for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, enabling them to focus on what truly matters: family, recovery, and healing. These services include transportation to medical appointments, grocery and nutritional assistance, childcare reimbursement, prepared nutritious meals, and access to integrative therapies so they can focus on healing.
Christina’s birthday is April 18 – just two days before Marathon Monday! Running Boston for her is truly a privilege and we are both honored to support the Ellie Fund.
This winter, as I train for Boston, I am thinking of Christina and I am truly grateful for the Ellie Fund’s life-changing work.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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