Why World Cancer Research Fund?

Hi everyone, I'm so excited to share that I've secured a charity place with World Cancer Research Fund to run the 2027 TCS London Marathon! This will be my third marathon and I can't wait to take on 26.2 miles through the streets of London next. This is the first of many updates I'll be sharing as I train and fundraise ahead of race day.

Why this cause, why now

Cancer has touched nearly every part of my family. My father passed away from abdominal metastatic adenocarcinoma of an unknown origin at only 45 years old, my mother is a breast cancer survivor (2 times), and between both sides of my family we've faced bone cancer, more breast cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, liposarcoma, and stomach cancer. Seeing so many different forms of this disease show up again and again made me passionate about cancer research. 

This is what drew me to World Cancer Research Fund. Their focus on the lifestyle factors that influence cancer risk is a piece of the puzzle that doesn't get talked about enough, the idea that some cancers can be prevented before they ever start. I recently got genetic testing done for approximately 55 different gene sequences and do  not carry any of the genes!

Where this started for me

Back in university, I volunteered with Penn State's Dance Marathon (THON), raising money for childhood cancer research. I got close to several families whose children were fighting cancer, including a little boy who battled leukemia and beat it. Spending time with those families, visiting hospitals, and seeing what that fight really looks like has stayed with me ever since.

Professionally, I work in the pharmaceutical field- I'm currently Senior Director of Technical Operations at Venture Life Group, following its merger with OrganiCare and its FemiClear brand. Seven years in, I've seen how research funding turns into real treatments that change people's lives. Running for World Cancer Research Fund lets me put that professional passion to work for a cause that's deeply personal, too.

What's next

Over the next several months I'll be training, and I'd love your support along the way, whether that's a donation, a training tip, or just cheering me on. Every pound raised goes toward research and education that helps people reduce their cancer risk and improves survival for those affected.

Thank you for being part of this from the very start.

Megan

As part of an international network of charities, they’ve been funding life-saving research, influencing global health policy and informing the public since 1982.

While society continues to search for a cure, their prevention and survival work helps people to live longer, healthier, and happier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer. The money I'm raising plays a huge part in keeping this going.