Beating Cancer: Ohio Doctor’s Marathon Journey to Promote Cancer Awareness in NYC
Kris Marin, a sports medicine doctor from Kettering Health Hamilton, is gearing up to run the 2024 New York City Marathon to raise awareness and funds for neuromuscular diseases. After beating cancer himself, Marin sees this marathon as a way to inspire others and give back to the community he serves.
Just months after achieving a personal record in marathon running, Marin faced a cancer diagnosis that halted his running for several months. Now, as he prepares for the race in just five days, he is among five charity runners selected by the American Neuromuscular Foundation, a nonprofit focused on advancing the fight against neuromuscular diseases.
Marin, who now experiences muscular neuropathy as a result of his chemotherapy, understands the challenges faced by his patients dealing with similar conditions. “A lot of my patients have neuromuscular disorders, and I thought, you know, this is a great way for me to kind of give back to them,” he shared. His efforts aim not only to raise funds for research but also to support patient care.
The community has rallied around Marin’s mission, with his first donation coming from a patient who contributed generously. “I was completely floored,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the support he’s received.
Despite his enthusiasm, Marin has faced the challenges of balancing his training with family and professional commitments. He acknowledged that he tends to overtrain, making it difficult to find time for running, especially as daylight hours diminish with winter approaching.
Initially, Marin set a fundraising goal of $3,500, a task he found daunting because he prefers giving to asking for donations. However, he surpassed that goal, raising over $4,100 as of noon Tuesday. This funding will aid in developing treatments and raising awareness for neuromuscular diseases.
With his marathon approach, Marin hopes to inspire others facing difficulties and show that perseverance and community support can make a significant difference.
