Kona Ironman finisher and multiple myeloma patient inspires Sally and Meaghan to run 26.2

The date of this year’s Chicago Marathon holds special significance for Sally Williamson Charles, whose husband is a multiple myeloma survivor.

Two years ago on Oct. 10, her husband Ian underwent a stem sell transplant. While still in the hospital, he signed up to compete in the 2009 Kona Ironman. He didn’t know whether he’d be able to work out again, let alone compete in the world’s toughest endurance event. The following year on Oct. 10, 2009, he completed the race.

“This year it's my turn!” Sally said

Sally, of Tiburon, Calif., will run the marathon for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. She will be joined by Meaghan Kane Benjamin, of Chicago, who works with cancer patients and is friends with Ian.

“If Ian could do the Kona Ironman with cancer, I can certainly raise money and complete the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 10 cancer-free,” Meaghan said.

Brooke Ortmann and Brady Gervais: Sisters run to kick cancer's butt

Fifteen years after their dad passed away from multiple myeloma, Brooke Ortmann and Brady Gervais will toe the line of the Chicago Marathon in his memory.

Their dad, Gene Averill, was 45 when he was diagnosed with this terrible disease. He died within a year and half, despite chemo treatment, radiation and a stem cell transplant.

He never got to see Brooke and Brady in action on the basketball court, wave to them from the stands at their high school graduation, or walk them down the aisle when they got married. He'll never get to hold future grandchildren or grow old with his wife, Becky.

Brooke and Brady will run the Chicago Marathon for Gene. For the time he didn't get to have. For his sisters and in-laws and nieces and nephews and friends who miss him. For the thousands of children who have lost a mom or dad because of multiple myeloma. For those who have suffered and survived. And for those who won't.

Rosa Sanchez Dureg: Runs Chicago Marathon in honor of her training partner

Rosa Sanchez Dűrig has run multiple marathons. This time, she will run for her former training partner: her father-in-law Ernst. He accompanied her on bike during long training runs prior to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2001. He had been in remission since 2005 when his cancer was detected again in May.

“Through the past years, he has been an inspiration to me with his sense of humor, positive outlooks and his passion for Badminton,” Rosa said.

Marie Vitello: After tackling Heartbreak Hill, she's ready to kick multiple myeloma's butt

After completing her fourth Boston Marathon, Massachusetts resident Marie Vitello thought she’d give endurance running a break. That is, until she received an e-mail from her boss about an opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon on behalf of the MMRF. Vitello works at a biotech company that supports a drug that is in trials for multiple myeloma treatment, so she is well educated on the disease. Still recovering from the Boston Marathon and its brutal Heartbreak Hill, she signed up for Chicago. It will be her fifth marathon.

Carole Smith: First-time marathoner runs for friend

Carole (left) and Renee (right) before a Flyers game.

Carole Smith, of Pennsylvania, will run her first marathon in honor of her friend, Renee Falatek. In addition to living with multiple myeloma for six years, Renee has lost many of her family members to cancer, including two sisters and her father. On the same day, one of her sisters and her father died.

Carole describes Renee as positive, hopeful and remarkable despite the loss she’s experienced.

“Better treatments have to be found. This is my way of helping and hopefully raising awareness to those I come in contact with,” Carole said.