Fred's Team

Thank you to all of our amazing TCS New York City Marathon runners for the impact they're making to fund groundbreaking cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Less than 3 weeks left until race day!

“As a former Division I swimmer, I’d much rather swim 26.2 miles than run a marathon. The reason I've decided to once again dive headfirst into the TCS New York City Marathon is simple — because I can. Every mile I’ve run while training as well as each of the 26.2 miles I’ll run on race day are in honor and memory of those who can't run. My family’s world was rocked last March when my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. We spent most of last year at MSK for appointments, bloodwork, chemotherapy, and surgery. To no one's surprise, my dad continues to tackle his diagnosis with dignity and grace (and with as little attention drawn to himself as possible), just like he has tackled every other obstacle that life has thrown his way. We’re eternally grateful to my dad’s care team for everything they have done and continue to do for our family, from the extraordinary treatment to the welcoming smiles and compassion they've shown us each time we’ve walked through the doors. Although we know we are not out of the woods yet, we are doing our best to stay positive and celebrate the little wins along the way. It's no secret that cancer has affected — and continues to affect — far too many loved ones. I'm honored to run and raise money with Fred's Team to advance innovative cancer research at MSK. I am especially proud to say that I have arranged for every dollar I raise to be donated directly to my dad's incredible surgeon, Dr. Daniela Molena, and her team. My hope is that we will find a cure for esophageal cancer in the near future.” —Ryan M. #FredsTeam #TCSNYCMarathon #MSK #DedicateYourMiles

THREE WEEKS until the TCS New York City Marathon! Who’s ready to take on 26.2 miles? Drop a 💪 in the comments if you’re feeling strong!

“My wife, Holly, was diagnosed with stage 4 thymoma, a rare type of cancer, in April 2021. Doctors found her tumor on a CT scan two days after she gave birth to our son, William. She started chemotherapy a few days later. Holly was scheduled to have surgery at MSK that October to remove her tumor, but unfortunately the tumor had grown and became attached to her heart and coronary vessels, making the surgery too high-risk to attempt. Instead, we moved to Manhattan for two months, spending the holiday season there, while Holly received proton therapy at the New York Proton Center in Harlem under the expert care of MSK’s Dr. Charles Simone and Dr. Gregory Riely. After two and a half years of courageously living with cancer, Holly passed away in October 2023. Holly received world-class guidance and treatment, and she felt very strongly about giving back. She would be honored knowing that we are raising money to support ongoing cancer research and clinical trials at MSK to help others. Before her cancer diagnosis, Holly was an avid runner and would be thrilled to know I would have the privilege of running the TCS New York City Marathon with Fred’s Team in her memory, three years after we spent our son’s first Thanksgiving and Christmas together in New York City. While Holly was in treatment at the Proton Center, we spent many of our days walking in Central Park, where I’ll be finishing the race. I look forward to thinking about what it’s going to feel like on November 3, doing this for her.” —Matthew H. #FredsTeam #TCSNYCMarathon #MSK #DedicateYourMiles

Last weekend's 20 mile training run never looked so good!🏅💪 #FredsTeam #TrainingRun

“On July 12, 2001, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for treatment, and her doctors immediately conducted a surgical biopsy on the tumor pressing against her heart and lung. My mom was pregnant with me at the time, and she began chemotherapy in her third trimester. We’re both here today because of our expert care team at MSK. My family is eternally grateful for them. In October, my mom will celebrate 23 years in remission. She is a fighter and the strongest person I know. She’s also an avid runner, completing the New York City Marathon in 1998. I have always dreamed of running the New York City Marathon and am thrilled for the opportunity to run it with Fred's Team. My goal is to raise as much as I can to support lymphoma research at MSK, giving back to the place that saved my mom’s life — and mine. My mom has always been my role model, biggest supporter, and best friend, and running this race in her honor means everything to me.” —Sydney W. #FredsTeam #MSK #TCSNYCMarathon #DedicateYourMiles

Today, we remember Fred Lebow, our namesake and co-founder of the TCS New York City Marathon, who we lost to brain cancer 29 years ago. In 1990, Fred was diagnosed with brain cancer. While undergoing treatment Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, he jogged through hospital hallways, determined to find a way to give back. That year, Fred encouraged runners competing in the New York City Marathon to raise money for each mile they ran, and designated Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center the first official charity of the iconic race. Since the start of Fred’s Team, runners have been participating in races worldwide to support critical cancer research at MSK. Every year, participants put on their orange Fred’s Team uniform, and take part in 5Ks, half-marathons, marathons, triathlons, climbs, and more—all while adding meaning to their miles. As Fred said, "A lot of satisfaction comes with running a race—but the critical funds runners raise for cancer research makes a difference that goes far beyond the finish line." 🧡 #FredsTeam #FredLebow

“This past February, I lost the strongest guy I knew: my dad, Lee. He battled stage 4 colon cancer for 13 years. All 13 of those years he had one saying that got him through the tough days: “Keep going.” And that’s exactly what he did, defying the odds for more years than any physician could have hoped for, but not nearly enough years for our family. When things with dad took a turn for the worse, I started running. When it got hard, I found myself repeating his mantra. After his passing, the running, and the mantra, have continued getting me through the hard times. This year, I'm going to run the TCS New York City Marathon, and I’m honored to be a part of Fred’s Team with Team Mark. Fred’s Team directly benefits cancer research at MSK, where I sat by my dad as he received the latest and greatest treatments that I have no doubt prolonged his life and gave him time with his grandchildren, children, and wife. It’s also where he received treatment for the first time as an 8-year-old kid, when he was first diagnosed with cancer. MSK means a lot to my family and me, and it’s an honor to support them and their research.” —Elliot S. #FredsTeam #TCSNYCMarathon #MSK #DedicateYourMiles

Huge kudos to our TCS New York City Marathon crew for their exceptional fundraising efforts in support of cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

“MSK has always been part of my life because it was the hospital that saved my older sister, Sophie, after she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at 21 months old. She had to have her right eye removed, and thanks to Dr. David Abramson and his incredible care team at MSK, she has been cancer-free for nearly 27 years. Three of my grandparents also went to MSK for treatment, and I am grateful that both my grandmothers are now in remission from breast cancer. Earlier this year, I learned that I had a benign tumor in my bladder. Luckily, I was sent to MSK for treatment, and I’m under the amazing care of Dr. S. Machele Donat. As if I didn't already have enough reasons to care about MSK! I first joined Fred’s Team to honor my family and friends who were treated at MSK. Now as an MSK patient, I am also benefiting from MSK’s incredible doctors and nurses. I am honored to run my first marathon with Fred's Team. It’s been my dream to run the TCS New York City Marathon and give back to a place that has given me and my family so much. Every dollar I raise will support groundbreaking research to help children grow up to live long, healthy lives.” —Eliza B.L. #FredsTeam #TCSNYCMarathon #DedicateYourMiles #MSK