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: Kristen Vicino

Age: 35

From: Boston

Bib #: 25438

I’m running the 2019 Boston Marathon with the Dana-Farber team to fight cancer , because of two generations of friendship. In April of 2016, our friend Dan, who my husband and I have known since preschool and kindergarten, respectively, told us that his 3-year-old daughter Maddie had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We have been absolutely amazed by Maddie’s strength, resiliency, and positivity. Her parents, Dan and Kelly, are not only raising three happy kids, but they also volunteer their time to tell their story to raise money to fight cancer.

After almost three years, Maddie just had her sixth birthday, and continues to bravely fight this disease. My 4-year-old daughter, Amelia, already looks up to her as the awesome “big kid” that she is, and we love watching them grow up being friends from an even younger age than we were when we met her dad. I’m running because of the amazing treatment she’s receiving. I’m running so I can do something to help in a situation where there’s really nothing I can do to help. And I’m running to raise money for innovative cancer research that will help all the Maddies around the world.