Here I go again. I have joined the 2014 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team and will be running this year's Boston Marathon on April 21st, 2014. This will be my eighth marathon, fourth Boston Marathon, and fourth time running for such an amazing cause.

I will be running 26.2 miles in honor of my Mother, a breast cancer survivor. I am also running in memory of my Grandfather James H. Smith, Grandmother Nancy Baumhauer, Uncle Ray Saddington, and friends Patricia Marchetti, Frances Angino, Anthony Marchetti Sr. and Heather Thibodeau.

A full 100% of funds raised by DFMC benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in innovative cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind. Based on rigorous and highly selective process, the Barr Program funds the brightest, most creative scientists making research discoveries that are transforming cancer treatment. Barr investigators have made numerous major breakthroughs resulting in improved survival rates and quality of life for thousands of patients everywhere.

I need your help. I have committed to raise $4000 to run for this cause but my goal is to raise over $9000. You can help by making a donation for this amazing cause, to find a cure for cancer.

Click here to support my cause.


Thank you in advance for your support. It really means so much to me.

Nancy C. Smith


Friday, December 30, 2011

An article I found interesting by David Haas

Physical Fitness in the Fight Against Cancer

Whether a person has been battling cancer for years, or has just been recently diagnosed, or is going through remission, the fear and uncertainty associated with the disease is extremely difficult. While going through cancer treatments of any kind of cancer, it is important to take extra steps that will improve chances of survival, and make life more enjoyable as a whole. One way that many people can make positive improvements in their health and their fight against cancer is to participate in physical activity frequently. Mesothelioma doctors have found many ways in which participating in physical activity can aid those suffering from this deadly disease, and many other doctors have found these same results. This small step can be extremely beneficial in a number of ways.

There is a great deal of research that suggests participating in physical fitness can be beneficial in cancer patients in a number of ways. For example, studies show that by activity participating in physical fitness, patients will have lowered levels of fatigue and higher levels of energy, which will aid in the fight against cancer and will impact the overall quality of life, as well. In addition, the sedentary lifestyle that frequently accompanies a cancer diagnoses can be fought with physical activity, as taking walks or doing other low to moderate exercise can keep a person in shape and can also fight against weight gain. Another great benefit that physical fitness can have is providing an opportunity for friends and family to take part in an activity with a loved one fighting cancer.

The benefits of physical fitness go beyond typical weight loss and increased energy. In fact, one study showed that more physical fitness means a change in insulin and lepton levels that can positively impact a cancer prognosis. Another study based in colon cancer showed a potential link between post-diagnosis physical activity and increased survival. Naturally, there needs to be much more study done on this potential link to more fully understand it, but there certainly is research to suggest that physical fitness can play a positive role in combatting cancer.

No matter what type of cancer a person is fighting, from breast cancer to mesothelioma, there are many ways that physical fitness can improve a person's lifestyle. Taking part in light to moderate exercise and physical activities can lead to an overall improved quality of life, and could even help with increased rates of survival.