26.2 Miles for Thomas Woodrow Grayson, Jr.
For as long as I can remember, my dad was someone who showed up for other people.
He volunteered for most of his life. Every year, he would get on his bike and ride for charity, raising money and awareness for multiple sclerosis. Giving back wasn’t something he talked about... it was simply something he did.
In March 2026, I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer.
He was diagnosed in November 2025 and suddenly a disease I knew very little about became a part of our everyday lives. Losing him has been incredibly difficult, but I’ve found myself thinking a lot about the way he lived his life: always moving forward, always helping others, always finding a way to show up.
So this November, I’m going to do the same. I’m running with Let’s Win to help support pancreatic cancer research and give more families hope for a different ending.
I’ve lived in New York City for the past decade and running the NYC Marathon has always been a dream of mine. I recently ran the Brooklyn Half, and crossing that finish line made me realize I was ready to take on the Marathon.
But this race means so much more to me now.
My dad’s birthday was October 31. He was also diagnosed in November, so this time of year will always carry a lot of meaning for me. I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate his life than to run through the city I love, with his memory with me every step of the way, while raising money for a disease that took him from us too soon.
If you’re able, I’d be so grateful for your support.
Every donation -- no matter the size -- helps fund the fight against pancreatic cancer. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page with your network means just as much. See you on race day!
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To Donate Via Check:
Make your check out to Let's Win Pancreatic Cancer, include the name of your runner in the memo line, and send your check to: Let's Win Pancreatic Cancer, 22 E. 72nd Street #9F, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Kindly include your email address (if possible) as well so we can send you an electronic tax receipt.
My Supporters
- Eduardo Danino 4 days ago $50.00
- Peter Flores 2 weeks ago $100.00
- Kenny Boggs Mary thank you so much for representing Tom with supporting research to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. Tom always showed up for support of family, friends and people he personally did not know. I am proud of what Tom had accomplished in his life and Mary you are a big part of that pride. GO MARY 3 weeks ago $300.00
- Zachary Goldman So excited for you -- go crush 26.2, Mary !! 3 weeks ago $54.00
- Sarah Busch Go Mary 3 weeks ago $50.00
- Rachel Meuler 4 weeks ago $25.00
- Anonymous 4 weeks ago $250.00
- Elliott Marron So impressed by you Mary!! 4 weeks ago $25.00
- Melanie Shapiro 4 weeks ago $25.00
- Marissa Flores Have a great race, Mary! 4 weeks ago $150.00
- Kenny Boggs Mary thank you so much for representing Tom with supporting research to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. Tom always showed up for support of family, friends and people he personally did not know. I am proud of what Tom had accomplished in his life and Mary you are a big part of that pride. GO MARY 3 weeks ago $300.00
- Anonymous 4 weeks ago $250.00
- Elizabeth Herring Fly birdie, fly! 5 weeks ago $250.00
- Liza Landsman Way to go, Mary! 4 weeks ago $180.00
- Marissa Flores Have a great race, Mary! 4 weeks ago $150.00
- Jacqueline Stern xOXOX 4 weeks ago $150.00
- Bridget & Kevin Peragine What a great way to honor your father. Go Mary! 4 weeks ago $125.00
- Peter Flores 2 weeks ago $100.00
- Brooke Willaby Go Mary, go!! 4 weeks ago $100.00
- AJ Smith 4 weeks ago $100.00
About Let's Win Pancreatic Cancer
Let's Win Pancreatic Cancer plays a critical role in getting the latest research to patients, to transform outcomes. Available in English and Spanish, our wealth of readily accessible patient-centered resources include stories that introduce the leading researchers in the field, a clinical trial finder, and a doctor finder. Our tools empower patients and caregivers to make informed decisions at every stage of their journey. Let's Win also brings hope to the pancreatic cancer community with stories and videos of long-term survivors.
For more information on Let's Win, visit www.letswinpc.org.