Danvers Woman Races In Fight Against Cancer

Danvers resident Elizabeth Root participated in what she described as a "very emotional and fulfilling day" on Sunday: the 11th annual B.A.A. Half Marathon, presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

A 2001 graduate, Root currently works as Research Project Manager for the Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at the Dana Farber Institute. She and her family still reside in town.

A newbie to the racing world, this was Root's first half marathon, and the third race she has participated in. Last year, when she participated in her first race, the Salem's Wild Turkey, she said she went in under the impression of it being a 5k, only to find out later that it was in fact a 5 mile race. "I was a little surprised when I picked up my number!"

Root said she had always wanted to participate in a fundraiser race but never truly believed she was capable. "Luckily, when you are fortunate enough to work somewhere like Dana-Farber you cannot help but be inspired," she said. "If a patient is in the midst of battling cancer or is in remission and can complete one of these events, what excuse do I have? I’m 28 years old and in good health. Training has been a bit tricky, ups and downs, pains, but it cannot be compared to fighting for your life."

Root began her training schedule after signing up for the fundraiser this summer, and as an official member of the Jimmy Fund Team, she, along with more than 400 Dana-Farber runners, pledged to raise a minimum of $500 to the cause.

This may have been her first time racing for the cause, but it wasn't her first fundraising for her cause.

"About three years ago I helped organize a fundraiser for a wonderful woman who was my co-worker and friend; she was battling her second bout of breast cancer," Root said. "Unfortunately she did not survive. However, I have never been involved with something off this magnitude."

The 13.1 mile rolling course ran along the Emerald Necklace park system,  beginning and ending in White Stadium in Boston’s Franklin Park. The event attracted a field of 7,000 runners, including world-class athletes.

Donations can still be made through November to Elizabeth's fundraiser. Click here for more information.