When Dr. Trung Truong, a much-loved pediatrician in Bristol Park's San Juan office runs the Boston Marathon this April 19, he'll be running in memory of his mother, who died from leukemia when he was only 11 years old.
Dr. Truong explains he did not originally set out to run the Boston Marathon. "A friend from medical school called and asked me to run with him. However the Marathon committee limits entries and with several half marathons and only one full marathon to my credit, I did not have the required qualifying race times. Not sure I really wanted to run anyway, I was going to pass on the race until I found the inspiration to participate: my mom."
"Losing my mom to leukemia at a young age really affected my life. I am excited to have won a spot in the marathon through my pledge to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. They are a world-renown cancer center affiliated with Harvard Medical School and they do wonderful innovative work in cancer treatment and research that reaches across the country and around the world. Along with the memory of my mom, I will be running for all those children who have suffered and succumbed to different cancers; something children and their families should never have to endure."
What started out on the whim of a friend has now turned into a serious dedication to helping those affected by cancer. By accepting the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge invitation, Dr. Truong pledged the required minimum of $3,250.00, but has set his aim higher. "My personal goal is to raise between $10,000 and $14,000;" explained Truong. "Anyone who would like to help me meet this goal or beyond, can donate directly through my personal page on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge website link: www.rundfmc.org/2010/trung
Dr. Truong, a two-time Physician of Excellence honoree by the Orange County Medical Association, says he is up to the challenge and enthusiastic despite the schedule of training he has set in order to be ready in April. "Running the Boston Marathon will be a life-changing experience that will be made even sweeter by knowing that my small contribution is going to help continue the great work that Dana-Farber does for people of all ages with cancer."
For more information on the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute go to www.dana-farber.com. Click on his name to find out more about Dr. Trung Truong.
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