AACR Runners for Research Team Helps Raise More Than $475,000 for Cancer Research During Philadelphia Marathon Weekend

PHILADELPHIA – The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the title sponsor of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, has so far raised more than $475,000 for lifesaving cancer research with help from the AACR Runners for Research team, a diverse group of survivors, advocates, researchers, and those wishing to honor or memorialize a loved one. Select team members are available for interviews to discuss their connection to cancer and why they chose to fundraise with the AACR during marathon weekend.

The following AACR Runners for Research team members are available for interviews:

Brandi Steiner

In 2022, Brandi was on the sidelines of the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon to cheer on her friends and family competing. However, Brandi had a nagging thought in the middle of all the fun: “If I am healthy enough this time next year, I am going to run in the Half Marathon myself.”

For nearly three years, Brandi searched for answers to address the paralyzing pain and symptoms she was experiencing. She was referred to a hematologist who suspected Hodgkin’s lymphoma was to blame. A biopsy and scans confirmed what she could not have imagined for her life at 25 years old. Before her treatment regimen, Brandi was “weaker, sicker, and more defeated” than she had ever been, but her symptoms began to lessen shortly after chemotherapy began. She received her 12th and final round of chemotherapy in June.

“I am still processing the fact that the whole time, it was cancer,” said Brandi, who has spent months hearing stories like hers from other women. “I think as women especially, we are used to being told that chronic pain and discomfort are just part of life.” Brandi will run the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon on November 18 as part of the AACR Runners for Research team.

Regina Sellman

After Regina’s mother was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, they attended a breast cancer conference where they asked a panel of oncologists about research and options for stage IV metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. “They paused, looked at each other, and then one took a deep breath and stated that he apologized but that there was not a lot of research or options. It took me a moment to collect myself and walk back to my mom,” recalls Regina.

Unfortunately, Regina’s mother passed away. She left a journal for Regina, and in her last entry, she asked her daughter to support organizations that are exploring triple-negative breast cancer. Today, Regina is a passionate research advocate and will run in the AACR Philadelphia Marathon as part of the AACR Runners for Research team.

Brandi and Regina are available for interviews this week. The Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon will take place on November 18. The AACR Philadelphia Marathon will take place on November 19.

Media interested in speaking with any AACR Runners for Research team members can contact Kathleen Venango at [email protected] or 215-290-5408.