By Adam Swift
Chelsea resident Casey Fields is running her third Boston Marathon later this month, and someone very special to her will be very close to her heart as she tackles the grueling 26.2-mile course.
In the past, Fields, 33, has run for the MGH Cystic Fibrosis foundation to raise money for a friend of hers with Cystic Fibrosis.
This year, Fields is running to raise money for the Dana Farber Marathon Team, in large part spurred on by her aunt, Chelsea resident Justyna Oles.
Oles was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2022.
“There is no cure for glioblastoma, there is always a chance that it can come back,” said Fields.
It’s a danger that Fields and her family know all too well.
Oles underwent successful brain surgery, removing part of the tumor, and going through chemotherapy and radiation for 18 months after the initial diagnosis. But unfortunately, Fields said a recent MRI showed that the tumor was growing back.
However, Fields said there was some good news which only increases her desire to raise more money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
“Luckily, she was accepted into a clinical trial that starts in the next couple of weeks,” said Fields. “Three years ago, this clinical trial did not even exist, so the ability to run and raise money is really important.”
As of Tuesday, Fields had raised almost $9,500 of her $12,000 goal for the marathon.
Those wishing to help contribute can donate at https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=2310&pg=personal&px=2370739&s_hasSecureSession=true.
While Fields has run the Boston Marathon twice before, the most recent time was in 2019. This time around, Fields said she has had an increased dedication to training.
“I am definitely an athlete, I always played sports in high school, I ran track in high school and I ran in college for fun,” she said.
Fields also teaches a spin class, and credits that with helping her keep her cardio and stamina up.
“This training block has been different,” she said. “I’ve dedicated 22 weeks to training since November; I’ve been running and training hard.”
While not a dedicated marathoner, Fields said raising money for Dana Farber, especially with her aunt in mind, makes it more than worthwhile.
“I feel like I do these marathons when I feel like they matter, to be able to dedicate that time,” Fields said. “I’m lucky enough to be able to do it, and I want it to mean something.”
In addition to her aunt Justyna, Fields noted that her uncle was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment at Dana Farber.
“Despite letting things bring Justyna and Daren down, they continue to find a positive outlook, the love they have, the support of each other, and continuing through life with true grit,” Fields stated. “They are my ultimate heroes. I am honored to run the 2025 Boston Marathon for Dana Faber in honor of my Aunt and Uncle and all the other patients and families who continue to show such strength and never give up.”