Tewksbury Resident To Run Boston Marathon After Father Receives Cancer Diagnosis

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury resident Melissa Meech is running her first Boston Marathon on behalf of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, inspired by her father’s recent cancer diagnosis.

"When my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024, everything changed instantly," Meech said. "The past year and a half has been an emotional rollercoaster, a lot of ups and downs. Our family has had to adjust to a new reality of treatments, uncertainty, and a constant balancing act of holding it together while supporting one another.

"Watching my dad fight has shifted my perspective on life and priorities. It’s reminded me how important it is to show up for the people you love, not just in the big moments, but in all the small ones too."

Running has been a constant in Meech’s life since she was 15. She has run races across the globe from the United Arab Emirates and Oman to Japan, Turkey, Australia, Hungary, and Germany. The Boston Marathon holds special significance for her.

"Running the Boston Marathon has always been on my bucket list, but after my dad’s diagnosis, the meaning behind it changed. I’m running to honor his strength and determination," she said. "I am also running for my two sons, so they can see firsthand what it looks like when a woman pushes through fear, doubt, and exhaustion to chase something bigger than herself, and hopefully someday they'll carry that same resilience into their own challenges."

Meech has long connected running with service, raising thousands of dollars for causes including the Terry Fox Run, the Lowell General Hospital TeamWalk for Cancer Care, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and other community-driven events.

Meech said the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s mission to ease the financial and emotional burdens of cancer treatment resonates deeply with her family’s experience.

"I chose the Joe Andruzzi Foundation because their mission hits close to home," she said. "After watching my dad go through this, I understand how overwhelming it can be. Running for JAF allows me to honor his journey while helping other families who are fighting the same battle."