Chantilly Woman Runs for Cancer

On April 16, Chantilly's Cara Jo Streb will join runners from all over the world at the 116th Boston Marathon as part of the 23rd annual Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.

As a Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team member, Streb is tasked with raising $4,000 for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. She has set a personal goal of $6,000, and she's raised $3,487 so far.

Streb began running as a challenge to complete the Marine Corps Marathon in 2002 with her sister who was turning 40. Before she began training, she had never run more than three miles.

While training for her third marathon, Streb decided to join the 2007 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge at the Boston Marathon which took place on the anniversary of her dad's death. He died in 2002 from liver cancer.

"It seemed appropriate to apply," said Streb. "It felt so good to know my dad was probably watching from above."

The following year Streb's sister-in-law died from breast cancer. She was scheduled to run the marathon again that year, but was unable to after injuring her leg.

In 2009, Streb was able to run her second Boston Marathon despite another injury. For this race, she dedicated each of the 26 miles to someone who either had cancer or was somehow affected by cancer. She dedicated her first mile to her dad.

"It was a very tough run, but I knew there was a reason for being there," said Streb.

Three years later, Streb is now training for her third Boston Marathon and seventh marathon altogether. This year's marathon will take place on the 10th anniversary of her father's death.

"Boston crowds are the best," she said. "The people really move you."

She started training in October and runs three times a week with a long run on the weekends, increasing mileage each week. Streb has since sustained a hip injury, but she continues to train.

Since her last marathon, Streb's mother and father-in-law were both diagnosed with cancer and are now recovering.

"I run in hopes that the funds I raise will ensure my kids, nieces and nephews will be cancer-free," she said. "It's scary to think each child in my family is genetically affected by cancer."

Streb has raised approximately $13,000 over the years and hopes to raise another $1,000 before this year's race.

"It's more about raising money than actually running," added Streb.

To make a donation, visit Streb's donation page.