Help Shay raise money

Twenty years ago, I lost my grandfather, Gerald Shay, to cancer at the young age of 69. Thanks to the incredible care he received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, he was able to fight for two and a half years after his diagnosis. Because of that time, I had the chance to meet him before he passed, and I was given his name in his honor. The team there provided not only groundbreaking treatment, but also compassion and hope during a difficult time for my family.

Dana-Farber’s commitment to providing the best patient care while continuing to push cancer research forward is something my family has always held close. Their mission to create a world without cancer is deeply personal to us, and their care gave me more time with my grandfather—something I’ll always be grateful for.

Again this year, I’m running the Falmouth Road Race with the Ryan Richards Foundation team. The race holds special meaning for the foundation—Ryan grew up in Falmouth and loved running the course, often around his birthday. After he passed away from a rare and aggressive cancer, the foundation was created to carry forward his energy and support families facing similar battles.

My goal is to raise $1,500 to support Dana-Farber and the important work they do in cancer treatment and research. Every dollar raised helps them continue to provide hope and healing to families facing cancer—just like they did for Ryan’s family and mine.