Katy Abbott

Hi Everyone! My name is Katy, and I hail from Bristol, CT - yes, the home of ESPN!

Historically a serial half marathoner, I doubled the distance for the first time last year, and ran the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon as part of Team V. It was such a simultaneously challenging and fulfilling experience, that I couldn't help but commit to doing it all again in 2023.

Why Am I Running for Team V?

One would be hard-pressed to find someone within their circle whose life hasn't been impacted by cancer. Maybe you and your direct family members have your health, but if you stop and think... you may realize just how many lives have been affected.

When we're young, all we can associate with getting older is the notion that one day we're going to wake up and our backs will hurt. You never stop to consider the havoc that cancer can/will wreak on life as you get older. Your family, your friends, your colleagues, even the parasocial connections fostered in this technologically-advanced age. It is downright foolish for anyone to believe that they are cancer-proof. 

When I list those categories of personal connections that have been impacted by cancer, my mind can immediately fill the blanks with names. Try it, you may be able to as well.

Cancer is squarely responsible for the worst memories and toughest times that some of my friends and family have ever had to endure. Cancer chooses the wrong people to get sick. Cancer chooses the wrong people to lose a parent, a spouse, a dear friend. The undeserved trauma is maddening. Cancer shouldn't be able to choose anyone at all.

The V Foundation is committed to change, having donated almost $14 million to cancer research just in 2020 alone. If that research can lead to one less family having to endure what I've witnessed happen to family and close friends? I'm here for it.

Running 26.2 miles is the easy part.

Please join me in the fight against cancer by making a tax-deductible donation today. It means the world to all who will benefit from the V Foundation now, and for years to come.

Thank You!

Katy

About the V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano with one goal in mind: to achieve Victory Over Cancer®. The V Foundation has awarded nearly $290 million nationwide cancer research grants and has grown to become one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research.

Team V is managed by Don't Ever Give Up, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable supporting organization formed by and operated exclusively for the benefit of the V Foundation.

Inspired by Jim Valvano's enduring legacy of passion and courage, we will never give up until we achieve Victory Over Cancer®.