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For participating in 2024 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend

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Our story…

Welcome to my fundraising page!

I am running the Philly Full Marathon (26.2) to honor my mother (Michelle), her memory, and to continue to raise donations to defeat cancer. 

Michelle was our world as a mother, a grandmother, and a friend who loved and supported us beyond expectations. She passed away due to internal melanoma in March of 2019. This was right about the time the world began closing down during Covid. She spent many nights alone in hospitals due to the restrictions enforced during that period of time and there was even a time I had to bring my own children past security guards yelling for us to stop simply to see her for a few minutes, but her spirit remained positive. She loved and she was loved immensely. 

My wife and I ran our first half marathon together in Philly in 2021. Afterwards while Melissa and I were walking to Monks to celebrate we received a phone call from the police notifying us that our stepfather (Michelle's husband) had died. It seemed a cruel twist of fate at the time and still seems quite unbelievable, yet it has inspired us to make this run an annual tradition. It is a time for us to reflect and to dedicate our appreciation and love for our family and what we have lost. 

This is my fourth year running and my first time running the Full Marathon.

As part of my race, I’m proudly supporting the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) who is finding cures for more than 200 types of cancer. With your help, we can make the AACR Philadelphia Marathon the largest run dedicated to cancer research in the U.S.


Thank you!    

John Gleason

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Description

All fundraising pages created go towards AACR, the official charity for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.

Team members

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Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Nov 23 Carissa O’Larte $10.48
Nov 15 Melissa Basham I'm sure your mom would be proud. You've got this! Undisclosed amount
Oct 13 David and Jen Jones Undisclosed amount
Oct 12 Amy Pollock They live on in your spirit and kindness. $26.19
Oct 10 Joe Erb Good luck!!! 26.2 you got this! $26.20
Oct 10 Katie Zeck $26.20 for 26.2 miles! Good luck, friend! $26.20
Oct 09 Sharon Thomas $20.95
Oct 05 Jess M Undisclosed amount
Oct 04 Anonymous John, your lyrics have had such a profound impact on my life and have revitalized and reinforced my faith in art. Thank you. Godspeed. Undisclosed amount
Oct 04 Kristine Vaughan As you run, know that many people are cheering you on! This is a great tribute to them both! $10.48