Parsippany Pharmacist Running Boston Marathon For His Grandpa, Diabetes Cure

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Two things will propel a Parsippany pharmacist across the finish line at the 2022 Boston Marathon: the city's resilience shown after the 2013 bombing, and his grandfather's strength.

Jigar Amin is running for a cause. His grandfather was diagnosed in his 50s with Type 2 diabetes. The push for a cure inspired Amin to run for Team Joslin, which is raising funds for the Joslin Diabetes Center headquartered in Boston. See Amin's fundraising page.

When Amin's grandfather was diagnosed, it took him time to start his treatments and properly take care of himself. But now he's excellent at staying up with his health, celebrating his 86th birthday last January.

"He continues to inspire me every day on how well he manages his chronic condition," Amin said. "I am dedicating this run to honor my grandfather and those, like my grandfather, who tackle challenges and successfully manage their chronic condition."

Amin is a pharmacist and project manager in the medical-device industry. He has completed the 26.2-mile journey before, including the 2019 Chicago Marathon with Team Joslin and November's New York City Marathon.

But he'll run his first Boston Marathon on April 18. The Parsippany man wanted to run in Boston for two people: his grandfather and Martin Richard — an 8-year-old who was the youngest victim killed in the Boston Marathon bombing.

Living with Type 2 diabetes can make for difficult adjustments. But Amin's grandfather, who lives in Texas, has risen to the moment. He changed his eating habits and began to walk more frequently. It also doesn't hurt to have a pharmacist grandson.

"Many of those who struggle with diabetes feel hopeless," Amin said, "but it is crucial for every one of us to reach out to those communities who feel discouraged."

Click here for Amin's fundraising page.

Thanks for reading. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Parsippany Patch Facebook page.