I'm Running the 2013 Boston Marathon for Christopher's Haven

12Jan 2013 by Bob Cargill

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I’ve done it before and I’m doing it again. I’m running the Boston Marathon for Christopher’s Haven. On April 15, 2013, I’ll be making another historic, heralded 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston on behalf of the Boston-based nonprofit organization that bills itself as “a home for kids when cancer hits home.”

The first time I ran the Boston Marathon for charity was in 1996, when I went the distance as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. Altogether, I’ve run Boston 10 times so far, seven times for charity and three times as an unofficial entrant without a number.

I’ve always loved running, ever since I was a kid. Over the years, I’ve run hundreds of road races, including 13 marathons, 10 half marathons, the Falmouth Road Race (15 times) and the Mount Washington Road Race (three times). But to me, nothing compares to running the Boston Marathon, especially running it for charity, knowing I’m raising funds for a very important cause each and every step of the way.

Christopher’s Haven was founded in 2001 by Dan Olsen, an actor, singer-songwriter and three-time cancer survivor. While receiving treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dan met parents who were struggling to care for their children who were battling cancer while also facing the staggering costs of extended stays near the hospital. After surviving his third bout with the disease, Dan decided to do something to help families like those he’d met. He envisioned a haven for young cancer patients and their families, a place that would free them from concerns about lodging and allow them to focus on treatment and recovery for the children. He envisioned Christopher’s Haven.

Learning up to the 2013 Boston Marathon on April 15, I’ll be using a variety of social media channels to get the word out about my fundraising campaign for Christopher’s Haven, including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. As you can see (above), I’ve already recorded a short video (thanks to the assistance of my wife, Barbara), a strong, hopeful appeal to anyone who will watch for support and generosity.

I’ve also set up my own personal fundraising page on FirstGiving. If you are willing and able to contribute to my cause, click here.

To learn more about Christopher’s Haven, click here.

Here’s what I’ve written about running the Boston Marathon for charity in the past…

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