Boston Strong! David Bloom's Legacy to be Honored in Historic Race

As many of you know, I am a native Rhode Islander and spent the first 27 years of my life running in New England. The Boston marathon has always been a very special race for my family and me. My brother and I first qualified and ran the race together in 2002, finishing holding hands. It is sacred ground to us. On this historic one year anniversary of the bombing that shook the city of Boston to it’s core, and also violated the Mecca of all distance runners; I implore you to reflect and honor those that we have lost and move together into the future honoring their memories. We need to support each other in these trying times. The only way to counter violence is with love and solidarity!

I am running Boston again this year to uplift the memory of my dear friend and colleague, David Bloom. I will carry his picture for 26.2 miles symbolizing how many times he had carried me in years we were together. Together we have raised more than $12,000 for melanoma education in hope to make a small difference in this fight. Melanoma claimed Dave’s life much too soon, but his memory, spirit and legacy live on in all that he touched.

When I toe the starting line next Monday, I will not be alone. 37,000 runners will be physically with me, but countless others will be with us in spirit and soul. Boston Strong! I can only hope to run well and to live up to Dave’s amazing legacy during the race, but I know if I falter he is still there to lift me up and help me persevere, as he always did.

If you are new to this story, here is an update:

In December 2012, I lost my cherished friend, and FAANT lost a phenomenal physical therapy partner, when David Bloom lost his battle with melanoma. It is an understatement to say that David was a terrific clinical partner in the practice for more than 10 years. He touched the lives of thousands of athletes and helped them reach their goals on a physical, and many times, a spiritual level. David was also a compassionate, loving friend; a supportive husband and an amazing father of 5 boys.  He was a community leader and a beacon of God’s love in all the groups he was involved with. Even in his darkest hours you could see his faith burning brightly while he bravely fought his cancer. David left us way too young and his loss is deeply felt by all that knew him.  

On the one-year anniversary of his passing, I was searching for a way to celebrate his life and work, while trying to make a difference in the fight against skin cancers that affect so many young vibrant people like David.

After much prayer, I feel led to run the 2014 Boston Marathon to honor David and raise money for melanoma awareness and research.  David helped me through a nagging injury so I could run my first Boston Marathon in 2002, with my little brother Rob. I will remember that day and his support forever.

 I felt this tribute to his life and work will help the FAANT family celebrate his life, and feel like we have made a difference in fighting this terrible cancer that touches so many. Join me in the fight against melanoma by donating to the cause. I will personally match every single donation to double their effectiveness. Our goal is to raise $15,000 in the name of David Bloom. 

For more information about the cause or to make a donation, click here.