Boston Marathon: Waltham Woman Running to Fight Cancer

Unfortunately, Lisa Sampson and her family have faced the challenges of cancer many times.

Now, Sampson, a 40-year-old Waltham resident, plans to turn those battles into a positive chapter of her life. Sampson is running in this year’s Boston Marathon.

“I plan on giving my husband and two daughters a big hug and kiss and thank them for all of their love and support,” Sampson told Waltham Patch when asked what she would do once she crosses the finish line. “Then, a celebration back at my house with family and friends! And after that, I'm sure I will be planning my next race!”

Sampson, a nurse who works with cancer patients at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, is running to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Sampson said she chose the cancer center after seeing her father struggle with prostate cancer and her brother battle bladder cancer. 

“I am very lucky to be running in their honor, not in their memory!  They have [both] been successfully treated and [are] doing great!" she said.

Seeing how her patients struggled with their own cancers pushed Sampson to run the 26.2 trek. This year’s race will be Sampson’s third marathon.  

“Seeing what patients and families go through is just unbelievable. I'm not sure I could handle what these people have to endure,” she said.

To date, Sampson said she has trained 18 weeks on a plan designed by Dana Farber’s running coach. She does longer runs four times each week and other cross training routines. 

“26.2 miles is a long way to go and there comes a point where it's mind over matter. I know that there will be people lining the marathon route cheering me on and that will push me through when mentally, I want to stop!” Sampson said.