Dear Friends and Family, 

Well, if you are reading this, I have finally decided to run a marathon - and in no other place than the iconic Big Apple (a city so close to home for me). 2026 has posed to be a reflective year as I approach the 10th year anniversary of my father, Paul S. Fahy's passing and wanted to ensure I achieved a personal goal of mine and one he often dreamt of for me as well (a runner himself). He was a jokester to the highest degree, a loving father, husband, brother, and truly the friend who would always be there come whatever may with a smile on his face and a pun up his sleeve. The memory of his warm smile and ability to laugh off life's woes, will remain with me throughout all 26.2 miles (yikes that hurt writing it)! 

Though my father's passing was unrelated to cancer, I was blessed to receive a bid from Memorial Sloan Kettering's Fred's Team whose mission is to fight cancer through awareness and raise funds for life-saving research. Sloan Kettering holds a very special place in our family's heart because of my aunt, Catherine Cardaci-Shaw (née Fahy). Her boundless strength and resilience through one of the darkest periods in her life, inspires me greatly and I am proud to run in recognition of her endless courage throughout her journey with cancer. 

My aunt Catherine was diagnosed in November 2015 with Stage IV extranodal NK/T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare and aggressive nasopharyngeal cancer caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Before receiving the correct diagnosis, she endured years of debilitating illness—severe sinus infections, unexplained symptoms, multiple hospitalizations, and countless unanswered questions. By the time doctors identified the cancer, she was told she had only weeks to live without immediate treatment.

Following a second sinus surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, she was transferred to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she was immediately put on a life-saving ventilator at the ICU. Shortly after, she underwent intensive SMILE chemotherapy with the collaborative care team led by the brilliant and empathetic hematologist, Dr. Alison Moskowitz. She received a stem cell transplant using her own cells, and later an innovative immunotherapy trial led by Dr. Parastoo Dahi. Her treatment included groundbreaking research that used her own cells to recognize and target the Epstein-Barr virus—ultimately resulting in a personalized vaccine designed specifically for her cancer.

Today, more than a decade later, she is healthy, thriving, and a living testament to the power of world-class cancer care and medical innovation. I am running the 2026 NYC Marathon with Fred’s Team in honor of her extraordinary journey and in gratitude for the lifesaving work of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—so that more families can experience the hope and healing that she did. 

My father acted as a pivotal supporter throughout her cancer journey and throughout their formative years into adulthood as well. A distinct memory I have was my Dad's thoughtful idea to go Christmas caroling at my Aunt Catherine's house during the darkest part of her cancer journey. Adorned in Santa Claus hats and jingle bells, we sang our hearts out and brought merriment in hard times. He was a lion-hearted man of faith, a joy supplier, and a life force we all were blessed to have in our corners. 

In my Aunt Catherine's words regarding his dedication to family, faith, and his unwavering encouragement throughout her brave battle: 

"From my hospital bed we exchanged long letters— my intended goodbye and his steady, supportive responses — alongside our daily multiple texts and calls. Later, by God’s providence, my brother and I shared one final, perfect day in NYC, getting me my “clear” PET scan. We spoke of our childhoods— bike rides, mudpiemaking, our paper route — our siblings, griefs, of Bridget and Kim and of faith and suffering. Though Paul shared his struggles with sleep and declining health, he softened the weight of his own pain beside my ordeal. I did not know we were spending our last day on earth together before he passed only 2 weeks later and characteristically, he simply led the way home. Faith tells me that somewhere in time, we will meet again."

Thank you kindly to my family, friends, and many loved ones in my life I am blessed with and especially to my mother, Kim Fahy, whose creative mind made me the dreamer I am today. To be surrounded by the village I have, both near and far, is the greatest gift. I am proud to run this marathon in memory of my father and in honor of my Aunt Catherine whose story is deeply interwoven in this mission and my dad's life. Any contribution to Fred's Team and their amazing work is greatly appreciated and allows me to accomplish this longstanding dream of running the NYC Marathon! 

Warm regards, 
Bridget

100% of Your Donation Supports Research
Named in honor of New York City Marathon co-founder and MSK patient Fred Lebow, Fred’s Team brings together passionate runners and supporters to lead the way against cancer. 100% of the funds I raise will go directly into MSK labs, where doctors and scientists have expertise in more than 400 types of cancer and work every day to find new cures.