Coleen Ranaghan

I have been so touched by this experience!  Though I  did not speak at the reception, had I spoke I would have reminded everyone that although my job (as a myeloma nurse practioner) is tough I really am the lucky one. The fact that I am able to treat patients with Multiple Myeloma and watch them (as Gary said) go about a normal life is an incredible feeling. I am blessed to have been a part of this group.  

I will never forget this experience. It was so much more than just running a marathon. Finishing the marathon was an incredible feeling and accomplishment but doing it for research made it so much more meaningful. I thought to myself that morning on the bus I am crazy? Will I really be able to do this? I truly believe that when I no longer made it about me but rather for all my patients and families that took me to the finish line. I lost my mom 5 years ago to a cancer other than Multiple Myeloma and I knew she was looking down at me, as she always is, saying "run for the other people in need, run to do the right thing". That was who she was and who I've become and I love her for that!

Mike Marek

This project was a big uplift for our family and gave us something extremely positive to focus on.  I appreciate all the leadership from the MMRF at every step of the way.  Like every MMRF event, the planning, organization and execution were first rate.  Now, it's up to the MMRF to put the money to its most effective use.

Jeremy Beer

 The run felt great all the way up to mile 24.  It then turned painful very quickly as my lower half just said “no more”.  It was an epic experience though and would definitely do it again!  I'm getting a team together to do the Five Boro Bike Tour !  The MMRF teams are fun.

Dan Dewitt

The marathon was an unbelievable experience and certainly something I will remember for the rest of my life. I was in awe at how many people come out to watch the race and it did wonders to keep the adrenaline flowing. Oddly enough, running that marathon was easier than my longer training runs- probably because I was so preoccupied taking it all in to realize how tired I was. I definitely felt it the next day though!

Susan Gilbert

The marathon  was an amazing experience, an amazing day, and an accomplishment that I never could have imagined.  I am inspired by MMRF and the work it does.  The reception was incredibly inspiring. 

In supporting Joanne and MMRF, I have gotten in the best shape of my life (ok, so a little cancer blip in the middle)  and all of these life experiences have added meaning and purpose to my life.  Many thanks to everyone involved.

Matt Caron

A big thanks to you the entire MMRF Power team for providing me with tremendous opportunity. I will never forget this marathon experience while being a part of such a great group. I will definitely keep these other events in mind for clients and myself.

Amy Evans

I am so very proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to run the NY Marathon on behalf of the MMRF and in some way 'fight back' against a disease that has touched so many lives, my own included. It was such an enriching and healing experience for me personally. I was especially moved to learn that the goal for this particular race was exceeded!

I can't say enough what a powerful experience this marathon was for me. It was a time of great healing all throughout the training and especially during the race itself. I suspect this is the case for many participants who have been touched personally by this disease. It was a gift to be able to contribute in some small way to the fight against multiple myeloma and to feel so incredibly affirmed in the process. My only regret is that I didn't have time to hang out more with the rest of the team - what a wonderful group of people.

Shirley Davidoff

Thanks to the MMRF for making this weekend a huge success. We were truly honored to run for MMRF PowerTeam and "felt the love" at the emotional but uplifting reception. My husband Bill and cousin Andrea enjoyed the cheer zone, but not as much as I did seeing their faces there.

John Kessler

Thank you to the MMRF for all your efforts in finding a cure for MM.  The NYC Marathon was such a wonderful experience.  Congratulations to everyone that ran.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Carolyn Hynes

What an incredible weekend!!! First, the MMRF reception on Saturday which was moving beyond words and then, of course, the marathon on Sunday.  This was the experience of a lifetime.  I am so happy to have been a part of it.  Thank you to the MMRF for all of the hard work over the last several months.  You made this experience so wonderful and unforgettable for all of us.

There are so many stories out there and I'm always amazed when I hear that my story is inspiring to anyone.  Because I live it and I'm in my head all the time, my story feels very uninspiring to me.  I was inspired by all the other stories I heard at the party.  Courage really filled that room.  It was amazing.  Living and moving forward in the shadow of death, regardless of the reason, is a real testament to human strength and will.   I am so grateful to have been a part of this MMRF Power Team.  I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone, hearing their stories and supporting this very worthy cause.  It's a real incredible feeling to be a part of something that's doing so much good for others.  It took the whole marathon experience to a very profound level for me.