Running to Remember Len Blanchard

My name is Cassidy and I'm running the 2023 Boulder Half Marathon in memory of my Dad, Len Blanchard. I looked up to my Dad as many kids do, but some traits I will always remember him for were his intelligence, perseverance, athleticism and ability to always be the life of the party. It sounds cliche, but those who knew him can attest that his smile and laugh would quite literally light up a room. When I was younger, I would always say I wanted to run a marathon to be like him. I remember riding in the car with my Dad as he would set up water bottles around town to have something to drink during his long runs later that day. I would ride my bike next to him as he ran, in awe of his ability to run more than a couple of miles without stopping. I remember cheering for him as he ran the Chicago Marathon and competed in multiple triathlon relays with his friends. His last race was the San Antonio Marathon which he ran while knowing the cancer had spread to his lungs. Eventually, the races had to come to an end due to his bladder cancer metastasizing. He fought a hard fight and lost his battle on April 17, 2010.

I am running to remember my Dad and to give back to an organization that can help families going through the same thing ours did. The money raised will benefit the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network whose mission is to increase public awareness about bladder cancer, advance bladder cancer research, and provide educational and support services for the bladder cancer community.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my story and donate. Any amount helps <3