Boston Marathon Profile: Katie Humphrey

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Middletown has five residents running in today's Boston Marathon.
Today, we meet Katie Humphrey, who is 29. She grew up in Portsmouth and now lives in Middletown. Good luck, Katie!

Reason for running: I'm running on the Dana Farber Cancer Research team in memory of my dad, Jay Humphrey and my uncle, Dan Merriman.

My dad, Jay Humphrey, was a co-owner of our family business, Humphrey's Building Supply in Tiverton and a member on many community boards such as Bank Newport, Child and Family Services, the Potter League and Rotary. My goal is to make dad proud by running this marathon for an organization that kept him alive and enabled him to spend 8 more years with his family, friends, and community members. Dad passed away in 2010 after his long battle with a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia vera (PV). When he was first diagnosed he was paired with some incredible doctors at Dana-Farber who went on to help him live for what would be the last 8 years of his life.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is constantly raising money for cancer research. One hundred percent of the money we raise through the marathon benefits the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research. The Barr Program consists of a group of incredibly smart, talented, and dedicated individuals that put all of their knowledge and time into discovering new information that can aid in finding a cure for cancer.
When I began my application process I knew I wanted to make my fundraising goal be as impactful as possible. I have pledged an amount that I know can and will make a difference as cancer increasingly becomes a struggle for families around the world every year. My goal is to raise $10,000 by April 17, which is Marathon Monday and the day I will run the 121st Boston Marathon.

To add to Katie's fundraising effort, click here.

Marathon experience: This will be my fourth marathon, but my first Boston Marathon. I started running in 2010 and have run around 12 half-marathons and several other fun races since then.

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Training tip: "Stretch." Make sure you load up on good food. "Protein and whole foods are very important. Stay hydrated."

Courtesy Photo submitted

Charlene Arsenault (Patch Staff) contributed to this story.