This is the third year that I will be running in memory of my cousin Dan Cortes. Dan was smart, strong, and a great person- he spent his life caring for others. He was a loving dad and husband. He is proof that cancer doesn't care who you are.

I will be running 36 miles on August 4, 2024 as a reminder that colorectal cancer is increasingly seen in younger people- Dan was 36 when he was diagnosed. Colorectal cancers in people under age 50 have doubled since the 1990s, accounting for more than 10% of all cases. Over our lifetimes, the likelihood that any person will develop this cancer is 1:23-25. This is far too high.

I hope that this run will help to do a few things:

-Encourage people to get routine colonoscopies, and get checked if they have any worrisome symptoms

-Raise awareness in the need for colon cancer screening in younger people

-Raise funds to help Fight CRC to assist patients at every level of need and to advocate for better screenings, more funding for research, and treatments for all stages of colorectal cancers.

Additionally, my 7 year old (Syeda) will be running the last mile. If anybody would like to join our team, we'd love to have you. And if you are able to make a donation, know that it will go to a great cause!

Update- We've run for Dan! I ran 36 miles and Syeda completed her first half miler. It was difficult (for both of us) but well worth it. I've added a few pictures including the beautiful New England scenery. Hopefully Dan would be proud! Thank you so much to everybody who supported this great cause!