The George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center was pleased to participate in the 43rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) on October 28, 2018. The event is one of the largest in the world with over 30,000 participants and brings together multiple organizations to raise funds for charitable causes like cancer research. This marked the ninth year that the GW Cancer Center hosted a fundraising team of 22 participants, including 14 marathon and 8 MCM 10K runners. Over 30% of the team members were active duty or former military, and nearly all of the participants were affiliated with GW as students, faculty, staff or alumni. The team raised more than $18,800 to support the GW Cancer Center’s efforts to drive transformational research, personalized cancer therapies, family-centered care and cancer policy in the nation’s capital.
When asked why they wanted to participate, team members shared stories of family members and friends who had been affected by cancer. One participant said, “I have lost several family members to cancer…This is personal for me." GW students who participated also mentioned exploring the area around GW, making positive memories and contributing to a meaningful cause. One runner who is a cancer survivor said, “Running has helped me cope with the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis, and I’d like to be a part of something that can help eradicate cancer."
The 26.2 mile course through the nation’s capital began in front of the Pentagon and made its way around northwest Washington, D.C., before ending at the foot of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The GW Cancer Center would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to all who participated in the MCM marathon and 10K.
