Brookline Native Runs Boston Marathon to Honor Late Father, Supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Molly Bacon, a 31-year-old Brookline native, is preparing to lace up her sneakers and take on the Boston Marathon for the first time. But for her, this isn’t just a race—it’s a deeply personal tribute. A decade after losing her father, Matt, to an unrelenting form of prostate cancer, Molly is channeling her grief and determination into raising funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, an organization that has shaped both her personal journey and professional calling.

Running with Purpose: A Daughter’s Tribute and a Community’s Cause

For Molly, the Boston Marathon is more than a test of endurance; it’s a declaration of hope and a call to action. Her father’s battle with cancer left an indelible mark on her life, sparking a passion that led her to work at Dana-Farber’s outpatient palliative care clinic. There, she witnesses firsthand the transformative power of compassionate care and cutting-edge research, a dual mission that Dana-Farber has championed for decades. In honoring her father’s memory, Molly is also honoring the countless patients and families who face cancer with courage and resilience.

Molly’s decision to run the marathon is all the more remarkable given her self-proclaimed status as a non-runner. Training for the grueling 26.2-mile course has been a physical and emotional challenge, but one she has embraced wholeheartedly. “This is about so much more than running,” she shared in a recent interview. “It’s about making a difference, about supporting a future where fewer families have to endure what mine did.”

The funds Molly raises will go directly to Dana-Farber’s innovative cancer research and patient care programs. The institute has long been a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through groundbreaking clinical trials and a holistic approach to treatment. For Molly, the marathon is an extension of this mission—a way to contribute not just as a caregiver and advocate but as a participant in a larger movement.

The Boston Marathon itself holds a special place in the hearts of many New Englanders, transcending its status as a world-renowned sporting event to become a symbol of perseverance and community spirit. For runners like Molly, it’s an opportunity to unite personal stories with a collective goal. Each step she takes will be fueled by memories of her father and the belief that every dollar raised brings the world closer to a cure.

Yet Molly’s journey is also a testament to the human capacity for resilience and reinvention. The transition from palliative care provider to marathon runner underscores her commitment to bridging the personal and professional dimensions of her life. It’s a reminder that the fight against cancer is not confined to hospital walls or research labs; it’s a fight that extends to streets, neighborhoods, and every individual willing to take a stand.

As race day approaches, Molly’s story has begun to resonate beyond her immediate circle. Friends, colleagues, and even strangers have rallied around her, drawn by her authenticity and the universal nature of her cause. Her journey is a poignant reminder that while cancer often isolates, it also has the power to unite—bringing together communities, inspiring action, and fostering hope.

In a world often defined by its divisions, Molly’s mission offers a rare glimpse of unity. It’s a story of loss transformed into purpose, of a daughter’s love fueling a broader fight, and of one woman’s determination to make a difference. As she crosses the starting line in Hopkinton and heads toward Boston, she’ll carry with her not just her father’s memory but the collective strength of everyone who believes in a world without cancer.

Molly’s marathon is a reminder that even the longest journeys begin with a single step. And sometimes, those steps carry the weight of a legacy.