Help Lily raise money

Dear Friends and Family,

I’m a little fearful to write this letter — and I’m choosing to write it anyway.

This year marks my third Seattle Marathon. Lacing up my shoes feels familiar, but what I’m dedicating this run to is completely new for me — and deeply personal.

For the first time ever, I’m stepping far outside my comfort zone to ask for your support as I raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

Asking for donations has never been natural for me. I’m used to working hard quietly, pushing through challenges, and carrying my own weight. But when I think about the kids fighting cancer — children battling for their lives before they’re even old enough to understand what’s happening — my fear of “asking” becomes insignificant.

These children don’t get to choose their battles.
Their fight begins the moment their bodies stop cooperating.
Their days become hospitals, treatments, uncertainty… and hope.
Hope that science will advance.
Hope that people will show up for them.

So this year, I am choosing to show up.
And I’m asking you — if you feel called — to show up with me.

On November 30th, 2025, I will run the full 26.2-mile Seattle Marathon in honor of these brave kids.
Every mile.
Every hill.
Every step.

All dedicated to children and families enduring a marathon far longer, far more painful, and far more terrifying than anything I will face on race day.

I know the world feels heavy for many people right now. Which is why I want you to hear this clearly:

Whatever you can give truly matters.
It’s not the amount — it’s the intention.
It’s the love behind it.
It’s the belief that no child should fight alone.

And in honor of your generosity, I will personally match every donation that comes in to double our impact.

If donating isn’t possible this year, please don’t worry. Your love, encouragement, and support still mean everything to me.
This won’t be the last time — this is now my annual tradition. Every year after Thanksgiving, I will push my body, my limits, and my comfort zone to raise money for children who deserve a chance to grow up.

I chose the Children’s Cancer Research Fund because they’re driving real breakthroughs — improving treatments, increasing survival rates, and giving families hope where there once was none. Their work is saving lives. Their mission moves me deeply.

Children deserve childhoods filled with joy, imagination, wonder, and possibility — not hospital rooms, fear, and battles they never asked for.

If you feel moved to contribute, here is the donation link:

👉 https://raceroster.com/events/2025/97558/2025-uw-medicine-seattle-marathon-and-half-marathon/pledge/participant/41548774

(The fundraising link closes on 12/7/2025.)

Every dollar brings us closer to better treatments, more cures, and more children growing up to live the lives they are meant for.

Thank you for reading.
Thank you for caring.
And thank you for standing with me — and with these incredibly brave kids — in any way you can.

With love, gratitude, and purpose,
Lily Tran