Kevin Hu never saw himself as a marathon runner, but that changed as it became a way to honor his late mother, Ping Hu. Running in the 2025 London Marathon, a city filled with cherished childhood memories of his mom, became a meaningful way to pay tribute to her while supporting Project Purple’s mission.
Remembering Ping Hu
Ping Hu is someone who could be described as “extremely fun.” Growing up, Kevin recalled with a smile on his face that she was a “middle of the table” type of person–so personable, and a “source of unconditional support” to both him and his sister.
Kevin recalls his mom as his “favorite mom”—a joke between them, but one that reflected their close bond. Ping was both ferocious and loving. She balanced vulnerability with an unwavering dedication to her family. She was always full of energy—enjoying walks, dancing, and singing with her friends. She made the most of life and “always had an appreciation for the joyous aspects” of it.
A Cancer Diagnosis and a Cultural Milestone
Returning from a trip to China to visit her husband, Ping Hu started noticing some pains in her stomach. When she saw the doctor, they suspected food poisoning and prescribed antibiotics. However, the pain worsened, she decided to drive herself to the hospital where she underwent a scan.
In November 2015, at age 58, she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and given a 4-6 month prognosis.
Though the diagnosis was devastating, she wanted to defy the odds and make it to her 60th. In Chinese culture, the 60th birthday marks the completion of one full life cycle, symbolizing longevity. It is considered a significant milestone, representing a moment of celebration and reflection on a life well-lived.
Defying the Odds
Ping Hu defied the odds of her prognosis, not only reaching her 60th birthday but also co-writing a memoir with her friends. The memoir shared their journey of moving to the United States and the experiences that came with it. Kevin treasures this accomplishment as a reflection of his mother’s indomitable spirit.
During the last two weeks spent at the oncology ward, Kevin was so moved by the empathy of the healthcare professionals. A doctor told him, “There’s a reason every single one of us works here. Every doctor, nurse, receptionist—we’re all connected to cancer in some way. That’s why we are all here.”
In reflecting on his family’s journey with battling cancer, Kevin emphasizes the importance of capturing memories. “Take all the photos and videos you can,” he advises. “You’ll never regret having more,” he says.
Running For a Purpose
Kevin’s decision to run the London Marathon for Project Purple, a charity supporting pancreatic cancer patients, was inspired by his friend Raphael and all the charity runners who had completed the New York City Marathon. When cheering them on, Kevin thought “That could be me”.
Though Kevin was an experienced swimmer and cyclist, he had never considered himself a runner. Yet, like many, the important question he asked himself was how he could contribute to the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Training has been a huge part of his life for the last two years. Working with a coach who specializes in running for the everyday person has helped him fit it around his busy workday and, most importantly, life.
A Legacy of Love and Optimism
Kevin believes that his mom has given him the two greatest gifts in his life. He can nurture and grow meaningful relationships with friends, family, and his wife.
The other invaluable gift his mom, Ping, gave him was her unwavering optimism. She had a remarkable ability to view the world through a positive lens, always focusing on the good in any situation and choosing to dwell on that rather than the negatives.
Turning Celebration into Contribution
Fundraising for Project Purple has been a rewarding experience. Kevin shared his story and fundraising link on LinkedIn, where he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from people who connected with his journey. Stating that being real online helps heal too.”
Even at his recent wedding, Kevin continued to prioritize what truly mattered to him, encouraging his guests to contribute to his fundraising efforts instead of giving traditional wedding gifts. By asking his guests to donate, he not only made his special day about more than just a personal celebration but also channeled the love and support of his community into something meaningful.
Return to London
Kevin is excited to return to London with his wife, staying with friends and revisiting a city that holds so many memories. Running through its streets will be a special experience, blending nostalgia with his desire to honor his mom.
For Kevin, running the London Marathon is not just about honoring his mother but also about embracing the lessons she taught him—optimism, resilience, and the value of connection.
If you’d like to support Kevin’s London marathon fundraising efforts, click here to donate to his fundraising page.
Inspired to run in support of Project Purple? Check out our Events Page.
