Hempstead,
N.Y. (Nov. 12, 2010) - To some finishing the New York City Marathon is an
accomplishment, and it absolutely is. But for Hofstra Men's Lacrosse sophomore Jordan
Fried, running in the 2010 New York City Marathon last Sunday meant much more
than just finishing, which he did in 3:22.
"Running in the New York City Marathon was an amazing, never to be
forgotten experience," Fried said Monday night. "The whole day was
filled with tons of positive energy. Everyone has their own personal goals and
you have 45,000 runners and their families all supporting one another."
The Chappaqua, N.Y. native ran as part of "Fred's Team", a group
of dedicated runners of all abilities who participate in athletic events to
raise funds for cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Since its founding in 1995, Fred's Team, named in honor of running legend and
co-founder of the New York City Marathon, Fred Lebow, has raised more than $38
million to benefit vital research at MSKCC.
While being treated for cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in the early 1990s,
Lebow never stopped running. As he jogged down the hospital hallways, he was
inspired by the hope he saw in the faces of the pediatric patients he passed
and became determined to run to raise money for a cure. One of those kids could
have been Fried.
Seventeen
years ago, Fried was diagnosed with leukemia as a three year old and underwent chemotherapy
and other treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Two years later, he was
cancer-free. Memorial Sloan-Kettering treats more children with cancer than any
other institution in the world. Their physicians and scientists have pioneered
therapeutic regimens that have sparked remarkable progress in treating infants,
children, teenagers, and young adults with cancer. Something Fried has not
forgotten.
"For me, I felt great and was very happy with my 3:17 time,"
Fried said. "More importantly, to run past Sloan- Kettering Hospital where
I spent a lot of time as a young child was a huge accomplishment. I
remember watching the marathon as a patient at Sloan-Kettering. So now, to
return to 1st Avenue as a runner was very emotional."
His battle and victory over leukemia has had a life-long positive effect that
goes beyond his well-being. "My health issues as a young child have
motivated me my whole life to be the best runner, best lacrosse player, and
best student I can be," Fried comments. "To have the support and
encouragement of my family, Coach (Seth) Tierney and all my
coaches, and all my friends and teammates at Hofstra meant the world to
me."
Fred's Team is the primary source of support for the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research, established in 1997 to benefit ongoing research for childhood cancers, including leukemia, neuroblastoma, brain tumors, and certain forms of sarcoma. For more information on being part of Fred's Team or how to contribute to the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research, please click here.
