Who are we and why we run?
 About DFMC
The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC), in collaboration with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), organizer of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon®, enables people to run the Boston Marathon while raising money to benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
DFMC took its first steps in 1990 as one of the inaugural organizations in the official B.A.A. Boston Marathon® charity program. In 20 years, the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has raised $43 million for the Barr Program and its initiatives to better understand, treat, and, ultimately, cure cancer. The DFMC directs 100% of funds raised to the Barr Program, which enables scientists at the leading edge of discovery to achieve better cure rates and to enhance patients' quality of life. The DFMC team is a diverse group, ranging from young to young at heart, from novice runner to experienced marathoner, from New England states to faraway continents, from college students to homemakers, from CEOs to retirees. It encompasses DFMC's "'invitational" marathon roster of runner-fundraisers who are not time-qualified for the Boston Marathon® as well as a sizeable contingent of Boston qualifiers. Virtually every teammate has been touched in some way by cancer. These dedicated individuals are united by their tremendous personal commitment to fighting cancer through the fundraising and training components of DFMC. The team aims to celebrate DFMC 2010, its 21st year, by raising $4.4 million for the Barr Program.
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 Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research
Established by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver in 1987, the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research fosters scientific breakthroughs by advancing the work of gifted researchers in a variety of basic research disciplines. The program is named in memory of Delores Barr Weaver's mother.
To learn more about the Barr Program, click here.
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 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"Dedicated to Discovery. Committed to Care." is the mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), described as "one of the world's premier cancer centers" by the National Cancer Institute. Founded in 1947 by Dr. Sidney Farber, DFCI is renowned for its unique blend of basic and clinical research, and for using its discoveries to improve the treatment of adults and children with cancer. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center ¾ one of 40 nationally designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. A teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber is also one of 20 federal centers for AIDS research in the United States. For more information click here.
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 Boston Marathon®
The Boston Marathon® is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks among the most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, which is sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity, and method of gaining entry into the race via time qualification.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is indebted to the B.A.A. for its longtime partnership and ongoing support. To learn more about the Boston Athletic Association and the Boston Marathon®, click here. [Back to top]
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