Welcome! I am excited to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with Fred’s Team, the official running program of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). For 30+ years, MSK has ranked among the top two cancer hospitals in the US. Their scientists drive groundbreaking research that's transforming how we understand, prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. This training season marks 5 years since my diagnosis with breast cancer, and I am dedicating all fundraising specifically to breast cancer research.

Why this cause means so much to me
Five years ago, I felt a lump on my left breast and my gut told me something was wrong. Several nurses and doctors dismissed my concerns given my age and assumed it was just a cyst. But I knew my body, and pushed for imaging. One ultrasound and two biopsies later, the radiologist called to tell me I had breast cancer just as I was finishing a run in Central park. 

On the outside, I looked young and healthy. I had just graduated business school, was two weeks into my new job, and training for the Chicago marathon. The goals I had set for myself at 30 were put on hold to make room for oncologist appointments, radiation, surgery, and endocrine therapy. It wasn't easy, but it could have been a lot worse. Thanks to early detection, available treatment options, and my wonderful care team, what was once a defining plot line in my life has become just one chapter of a longer story. 

 My story is not unique: we all know of a grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, partners, and female friends who have been affected by breast cancer.   But while advances in treatment have transformed outcomes, the number of young women getting diagnosed with breast and other cancers (like colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic) is on the rise. Too many young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a time when they should be thinking about careers, relationships, and starting families. By 2030, experts forecast that 30% more adults under 50 will be diagnosed with cancer, which could mean a million more cases. 

Designing care that reflects the unique needs of patients, including younger people, has never been more important. Innovative, ground-breaking research takes us one step closer to a cure and a world without cancer. I believe in a world where cancer treatment is tailored and accessible to all people regardless of their age, cancer type or stage, race, financial position or gender. Supporting research at Memorial Sloan Kettering advances treatment options so that those afflicted with cancer can live long and healthy lives.

Consulting taught me that good things come in threes; so if you've made it this far, I leave you with 3 asks. 1) Consider making a donation to advance breast cancer research  2) Remind the ladies in your lives to do monthly breast exams and schedule screenings, and not to wait if something feels off 3) Ask your company to match your donation, if available to you

With hope, gratitude, and determination,

Brooke E.