Miles to Make it Better

Hi there! Thank you for visiting our fundraising page and supporting our cause!

We are four roommates, training for and running the 2025 Publix Marathon and Half Marathon to raise funds for osteosarcoma cancer research. We are running in loving memory of our dear friend and roommate, Penelope, who had been battling this rare and aggressive form of bone cancer for the past two years. She showed us all what true courage and resilience look like, and we are determined to honor her memory by continuing the fight against osteosarcoma. Your generous support will be directly split between two incredible organizations working tirelessly to improve the lives of kids, teens, and young adults affected by osteosarcoma:

Make It Better Agents (MIB)

MIB is a nonprofit organization that works to make it better for osteosarcoma patients in every possible way. They focus on funding innovative research projects, supporting families through their journey, and advocating for more effective treatments and early diagnosis. MIB connects osteosarcoma patients and families with critical resources and networks that offer emotional and practical support, along with a vibrant community of advocates and survivors. Through events, programs, and community outreach, MIB raises awareness about osteosarcoma, drives funding for impactful research, and champions the voices of those fighting this disease every day.

In Penelope’s honor, this specific donation will go towards Penelope’s family fund. This fund allows Penelope’s family to personally decide which research projects to support, ensuring that the contributions reflect her legacy and the causes closest to her heart. By contributing to this fund, your donation not only advances life-saving research but also holds deep personal meaning for Penelope’s loved ones, honoring her memory in a uniquely thoughtful and impactful way.

The Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI)

OSI is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults with osteosarcoma by advancing research and funding clinical trials specifically focused on this type of cancer. OSI focuses on finding treatments that target osteosarcoma’s unique characteristics, collaborating closely with researchers, doctors, and families to drive the development of new therapies. By coordinating research efforts and prioritizing high-potential projects, OSI ensures that patients have access to the latest and most promising treatments available. Their mission is to provide hope, improve survival rates, and give every child diagnosed with osteosarcoma the best possible chance at life.

Why This Cause is So Important

Osteosarcoma primarily affects kids, teens, and young adults—an age group that is often overlooked in cancer research. While it's a rare form of cancer, its impact is profound, and the fight to improve survival rates is ongoing. Tragically, osteosarcoma has one of the lowest survival rates among pediatric cancers, and there is still not nearly enough research being done to change this. The organizations we're supporting are working tirelessly to change that, but they need our help to continue their crucial work.

By supporting these organizations, we can honor Penelope’s legacy and help fund the research, treatments, and support systems that are so desperately needed for future generations of osteosarcoma warriors.

Our Story

Our dear best friend and roommate, Penelope, had been battling osteosarcoma for the past two years. Watching Penelope go through this was so hard, but it has also opened our eyes to how this disease can affect anyone—no matter how healthy they are. Penelope was strong, resilient, and a true inspiration, and we want to do everything we can to help fund the research that had played a crucial role in her treatment and to make it better for future generations of osteosarcoma warriors.

By running this marathon, we're not just raising money—we're honoring Penelope's strength and fighting for a future where osteosarcoma is no longer a devastating diagnosis. We hope to raise funds that will contribute to critical research, provide better treatments, and ultimately save lives.

We love Penelope so much, and we know that with your help, we can make a real difference for countless other families fighting this disease.

Thank you for supporting our run, honoring Penelope, and all the MIB/OSI heroes out there.

Donate today and help us bring hope to the fight against osteosarcoma!