In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston on April 15, 2019.

Name: Molly Haggerty

Age: 23

From: Hingham, Massachusetts

Bib #: 25552

April 15, 2019 marks the day of my first-ever marathon. I will be running for a cause very close to my heart, for a charity that exists in the middle of my local community. The mission of the South Shore Health Foundation in collaboration with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is to support patients receiving care, improve technology, and advance current research.

This cause is personal to me because of those in my life who have been touched by the uphill battle against cancer. Two years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with Stage 4 acute leukemia and was not expected to survive much longer than a few weeks. As shocking and terrifying as this news was, my family and I quickly realized the strength in resources and opportunities in our surrounding community. She received support in so many ways, especially in the stellar care she was given and the technology available to address her diagnosis. In a little over a year and a half, she miraculously has reached remission. This falls nothing short of a miracle, but would not have been possible without the incredible work of her doctors and nurses. In the last seven years, the South Shore Health Boston Marathon team has raised more than $1 million for cancer care in our community.


On Marathon Monday, I will be running for my grandmother and all of those in my community who fight on. I also have the honor of training and running my first marathon with my dad, Mike Haggerty, who will be completing his 10th Boston Marathon in 2019. It’s been a long journey, but worth every step of the way!

To learn more about my story and donate, please use this link.

Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.

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Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.