New York City Marathon finisher David Goodman had plenty to be proud of before he even crossed the starting line at last weekend’s race. Each of the 26.2 miles he would be running had already earned essential funds for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer. As a distance runner, David knew the importance of feeling strong and prepared at the start line. But as a son who had recently lost his mother to colon cancer, he also knew that his important personal mission would keep him motivated throughout the grueling mileage. David lost his mother, Dorrie Goodman, to the disease one year ago. After several attempts to get into the New York City Marathon, David finally got in this year. He used the event to raise awareness and funds to fight the nation’s number two cancer killer. David set up a fundraising page and began gathering donations for the Colon Cancer Coalition. On race day, he donned a blue Get Your Rear in Gear shirt to share an important message about screening with others along the race course. He recounts his experience for Get Your Rear in Gear readers:
It was amazing day to be part of this sea of humanity — 45k runners!!! — moving through NY city and over the five bridges. I felt good (mostly), ran hard, and just absorbed as much cheering and enthusiasm from the crowds to help carry me over the line. I got many comments from other runners about how much they liked the message on my shirt — Get Your Rear in Gear to End Colon Cancer. Many other runners were also running for a cause. At mile 23, I ran right past the hospital where my mom passed away last October. It brought a tear to my eye as I ran past, but it felt like running this race in her honor was a fitting tribute to the many marathons that she had to endure in her brief battle with colon cancer last year.
My NYC marathon fundraiser made nearly $2000 for the Colon Cancer Coalition. I’m very touched and amazed at this gesture by friends and family. Most of this was just $26 donations (a buck a mile). Even better, the NYC Marathon earned $30 million for various charities this year, becoming the largest single-day charity fundraiser in the world. What a great idea that an event like this could be used to do so much good for so many.
David Goodman
Read about other Get Your Rear in Gear marathoners