This April, Mary Beth Bozogian will take on the ‘mecca of marathons’ – the Boston Marathon. But her journey to the start line isn’t about personal achievement; it’s about honoring her father and his ongoing fight against pancreatic cancer.
A Shared Love of Running
Mary Beth’s running story didn’t begin with a love for the sport, but rather with watching her father embrace it later in life.
“I was never a runner, like at all,” she recalls. “My dad actually started running when he was about fifty-eight, fifty-nine years old.”
Watching her dad start running in his late fifties sparked something in her.
“He’s always been one of those guys who could walk a lot. Even as a kid, he would go for a five or six six-mile walk,” she says.
In 2010, she ran her first 5K alongside her dad, and in 2011, he encouraged her to run the Buffalo Half Marathon with him. What began as a simple hobby turned into a passion they shared together.
From Setbacks to a Sweet Comeback
For a few years, life responsibilities took priority, and Mary Beth stepped away from running. However, in 2019, she rediscovered the sport and slowly began building up her endurance. Starting with walks and gradually increasing her distance and speed, she eventually returned to the same 5K race she had run years before.
“It had kind of a domino effect from there,” she says. “After that, I just started running a lot, and my dad was my biggest cheerleader to get back into running.” Her dad, who had also taken a break from running, was her biggest supporter as they rediscovered their love for the sport together.
Her first marathon was the 2021 Chicago Marathon. It was an unforgettable milestone for the father-daughter duo. Mary Beth and her father watched the movie The Spirit of the Marathon together, which initially inspired their running journey.
Chicago was the first marathon in the movie. They were both lucky enough to get into the race, but her dad suffered a fractured toe just before the event. Despite the injury, he went with her to the start line and ran as much of the race as he could.
Family First
“He wants to take care of his girls,” says Mary Beth. “I’m an only child and he’s been with my mom since they were fourteen. He would drop and has dropped whatever he’s doing to help us. He’s the best.”
Her father is a constant source of support. “My favorite thing about my dad is how supportive he is about everything. Whatever I set my mind to, he’s going to help me get to that goal. He’s a very supportive, loving man,” she says.
His support extends to every aspect of her life. As she trains for the Boston Marathon, her father takes screenshots of her runs and discusses strategies over dinner. Mary Beth fondly remembers a family vacation to the Outer Banks, where they found a 5K to run together. “It was fun to have that time together to talk to and encourage each other.”
He’s not just a supportive parent but also a caring grandfather. “His grandkids are his world,” she says. Whether it’s picking his grandchildren up from the school bus or taking them out to eat, her father loves spending time with Mary Beth’s kids.
Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
Her father’s health took a sudden turn when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis came after he experienced unexplained weight loss and stomach problems. A fever and arm pain had sent him to the doctor’s office. A CT scan revealed tumors in both his pancreas and right lung.
“He keeps his spirit up, and he’s defying the odds in a lot of ways,” says Mary Beth. His cancer hasn’t spread and his chemotherapy regimen has shrunk the masses.
Mary Beth’s mother found Project Purple when he was first diagnosed and was doing research. She remembers her mom saying to her, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could run one of these majors for pancreatic cancer?” For Mary Beth, channeling her passion for running into raising awareness and funds for research and aid was the perfect way to honor her father.
The Boston Marathon
As Mary Beth prepares to race in Boston, she knows it will be an incredibly emotional experience. “It’s going to be very emotional. I have a lot of family that’s going to be there to support me and my dad,” she shares.
It will also be bittersweet. While she’s proud to contribute in the fight against pancreatic cancer and honor her dad through their shared love of running, the reality of the disease and the lack of early detection methods is saddening. Still, she finds comfort in knowing that her efforts will help advance vital research and treatment.
Mary Beth’s Advice
Mary Beth’s experience has taught her the importance of cherishing every moment. “Enjoy every moment you have,” she advises other families facing similar battles. “Don’t give up.” Mary Beth, her father, and their family will be making a cherished memory in Boston, a testament to their resilience, love, and hope.
To support Mary Beth and her fundraising efforts, click here to visit her fundraising page!
