# @nycmarathon on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/5z_jc5v518
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/14266787-nycmarathon-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/4cf7f20e45.jpg
- **Posted:** 2015-07-31T19:33:06.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) — https://gondola.cc/nycmarathon

## Caption

Happy #FundraisingFriday! This week's inspiration is Jill Smart. She is running the 2015 #TCSNYCMarathon with Project Purple in honor of her dad. Who are you running with? "In 2006 my father received the news no one wants to hear: You have pancreatic cancer.  At 65 years old, my Dad hadn't even retired, and it looked like he wouldn't be enjoying many golden years.  He was a fighter, and battled this horrible disease until it took him in March 2009.  They were roller coaster years for our family, but my Dad traveled and lived every day as fully as he could.  I feel so blessed to have had that time with him, since many pancreatic cancer patients aren't so lucky.  Sadly my Dad's brother, Carl, also died of pancreatic cancer several years later, but like many, he was gone less than three months after being diagnosed. I started running shortly after my Dad died and ran my first marathon in 2012.  I knew he was there with me, especially in that final mile when I was sure I heard him cheering me on.  Next I set my sights on the Marine Corps Marathon since my Dad proudly served in the Marine Corps and my brother is still actively serving as a Major. Finding Project Purple was like finding family I hadn't yet met. I am back to run the NYC Marathon with Project Purple because I believe so strongly in this organization and all it stands for.  The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only around 4%, but a very small percentage of cancer monies go to fund research for early detection, treatment, and a cure.  Project Purple is making a difference by providing research grants, funds to help patients with treatment, and scholarships for students of families affected by pancreatic cancer." Jill Smart 
Do you want your story to be heard? Share your #FundraisingFriday stories with us by tagging NYCMarathon and #FundraisingFriday

Do you want to run the #TCSNYCMarathon? There are still spots left with select charities!

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## Tags

fundraisingfriday, tcsnycmarathon

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