Help Angelica raise money

I am running the 2025 AACR Philadelphia Marathon in November to celebrate my amazing Mom, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in August 2021 and is very close to being cancer-free!

My original plan to run a 2024 marathon in my Mom’s honor was derailed because of some health concerns of my own. When a growth on my thyroid became larger than my doctor was comfortable with, I decided to undergo surgery for a half thyroidectomy in March 2024 at the recommendation of my doctor and surgeon.

Although my growth was benign and I was thankfully never diagnosed with cancer, my Mom and I undoubtedly both benefited from the research that the AACR does because of the extraordinary care and expertise we received from our medical teams.

After training for one ten-mile race and/or one half marathon each year for the past decade, a race-free 2024 showed me the importance of listening to my body and training intentionally for long-term health and mobility, rather than rushing to meet my next goal. Last year reminded me that movement is such a privilege and a gift.

My Mom has always carried herself with the highest levels of grace and strength, especially throughout her 4+ years of treatment, and I try to emulate her example every day. 

This will be my first marathon, and I am more confident than ever that I am up to the challenge. Although I no longer live in Philly, it will forever be part of my story. I am a proud first-generation college graduate from Saint Joseph’s University, and for me, this race is a love letter to my incredible Mom, our family, our amazing medical teams, and Philadelphia, where I met my husband and so many friends who have become family!

Thank you for taking the time to read my fundraising page. I appreciate you considering making a donation to help the AACR continue to carry out lifesaving research, especially during such a critical time in our country’s history when funding for scientific research is at risk.

Even if you can’t donate at this time, your encouragement, prayers, and song recommendations would mean the world to me! Click here to share some words of wisdom and/or a song recommendation for my race day playlist, or to dedicate a mile to a loved one!