I am running the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon in honor of my aunt, Karen Daley, and raising funds for GO2 for Lung Cancer.

I chose this charity because as a new physician, I witness firsthand the toll that lung cancer takes on patients and their families. On a more personal note, my aunt Karen was diagnosed with bronchoalveolar carcinoma and died after a tough 3-year battle. Lung cancer claimed Karen’s life when she was just 55 years old. Born in Detroit, she moved west after high school spending time in Tucson and Park City and developing a love for the mountains.

Despite her diagnosis, Karen remained as active as she could, continuing to enjoy the things she loved—especially spending time in nature. Park City, Utah, was one her favorite places, and I have many memories of us hiking together there.

Karen had heart full of love for the mountains, the ocean, skiing, and most of all, the people in her life. She was a dedicated teacher for 28 years, always nurturing and inspiring her students, and even as lung cancer made things difficult, she never stopped living life with joy and grace.

I’m asking for your support to help me honor her memory and contribute to GO2’s mission. Your donation will provide critical assistance to patients and families, fund life-saving research, and transform the fight against lung cancer into a story of hope.

Please consider making a donation today at http://secure.go2.org/goto/katienyc2024 or by sending the donation through Venmo (@Kathryn-Flaharty). Every dollar makes a difference and brings us closer to a future without lung cancer. Thank you for your generosity, your kindness, and for helping me keep Karen’s spirit alive in this meaningful way.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Katie Flaharty