LIVESTRONG Leader Runs The Boston Marathon

LIVESTRONG Leaders are individuals that make a yearly significant commitment to those in their community affected by cancer by spreading the message of LIVESTRONG. They do this by fundraising, hosting events, bringing LIVESTRONG resources to their local hospitals and more. One of our amazing leaders from California, Phil Toomey, talks about why he is involved with LIVESTRONG and what he is doing in his community to help spread the LIVESTRONG message.

What is your name and where are you from?
Phil Toomey, Redondo Beach, CA

What is your cancer connection?
I am a survivor and am deeply invested in the cancer survivor community.

Why did you become a LIVESTRONG Leader?
We all hope for a cure for cancer. But equally important is caring for the person, family and care giver currently going through the journey. No one really knows how hard and long the journey is until you walk with it, or with someone going through it.

Tell us about your recent efforts at the Boston Marathon.
I have a goal to run all 6 major marathons (Tokyo, London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York), a marathon on each continent and a 50/50 (50 marathons and 50 other endurance races) all to raise funds and highlight LIVESTRONG. So far, I have completed Chicago, New York, Berlin and now Boston.

My most memorable experience at Boston was when I rounded the second to last turn and passed another group of runners. I suddenly realized one was a double amputee. I circled back, saluted the solider and then shook his hand. The course photographer caught it all.

Look, I get it. Running is not for everyone, but through this form of competition I am reminded my current well-being is based, in part, on the sacrifice of others. I believe God called me off of the sidelines and into the game to help others. It’s about adding more life into the days remaining, as well as adding more days to our life. I may not much ability to control this disease, but I have the ability to control how I live with it. Team LIVESTRONG.