Impossible to Forget

Barb Mecherle was a true friend to Ed Freza, and true friends, he says, are hard to come by, but “impossible to forget.” Barb died of multiple myeloma last year, and for every broken friend she left behind, she also left thousands of sweet memories. “We all remember her laugh, her sense of humor, her comical common sense, and her energy,” says Ed. “Although she is missed, countless special memories are held by those who were blessed to know her.” Ed runs for Barb and the friendship they shared, because such friendship is rare, beautiful and can never be forgotten.

The Shaffer Brothers Run for Mingy

John Shaffer and his brother Peter are running the Chicago Marathon for their Mom Mildred, who died in 2011 after a long but courageous struggle against multiple myeloma. Mildred, or “Mingy", was a remarkable person, and her two sons are honored to run in memory of someone who so deeply influenced both their lives. Each step of the race they take together will be made in loving memory of their mom.

Back For Another Great Experience!

Eric Davidoff remembers last year’s Chicago Marathon as “one of the most uplifting and incredible experiences of my life,” and this year he is back with the PowerTeam to run in memory of his grandmother. Melanie Davidoff lost her battle with multiple myeloma in 2009, and not a day has gone by since that David does not think of the incredible influence she has had on his life. Last year, Eric and his mom were amazed by the amount of love and support their friends and family showed as he prepared for the race; they raised more than $6,000! David is looking forward to another great experience this year as he trains, raises support and remembers a very special person who shaped his life. 

Running for a Fellow Runner

Katie Bystrom is running for her aunt, a myeloma patient and marathon enthusiast! Her aunt is currently participating in a multiple myeloma research study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and hopefully, the care she receives will help her fight the disease and advance new treatments! Without the help of the MMRF, this kind of care may not have been an option for her aunt, and Katie is glad to support the research that made it possible. “Running this marathon seems particularly appropriate because [my aunt] enjoyed running marathons prior to her diagnosis,” says Katie. “She even qualified for the Boston Marathon once!”