Team IMPACT: Meet Kelli Naglieri
The 126th Boston Marathon commences on Monday, April 18th, and IMPACT Melanoma is once again proud to present Team IMPACT, which is comprised of a dedicated group of runners that come from different backgrounds and levels of running experience. Each of our runners share a passion for our cause – which is to spread awareness and prevention initiatives with regard to the incidences of melanoma around the United States, and, with our lead, the world.
Many of Team IMPACT’s members are survivors, family members of survivors, or a person who has lost a loved one to melanoma. Together, along with our partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, we’ve been able to make great IMPACT over the years raising more than $3 million, which has gone to directly benefit IMPACT Melanoma’s mission of prevention, education, support, and advocacy in the fight against melanoma.
As mentioned, each of our team members has unique reasons as to why they’re contributing efforts to Team IMPACT, and, as such, we’re highlighting a handful of them in support of their run, and their campaign to raise necessary funds.
With that in mind, please join us in welcoming and thanking, Kelli Naglieri!
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
Kelli Naglieri: I learned about IMPACT Melanoma when my dad was battling against melanoma. When he passed away in October of 2020, my family and I wanted to give back to an organization that fights against melanoma, while helping patients and their families. That is when we discovered IMPACT.
IM: What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
Naglieri: My dad passing away from Melanoma at such a young age made me want to get involved. Being able to run the Boston Marathon in honor of him means the world to me. Ironically enough, his favorite number was 26, so running 26 miles in the 126th marathon means a lot. I’ll be thinking of him every mile when it gets tough, I’ll remember how strong he was fighting, and I will do it for him.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past?
Naglieri: Zero! 🙂
IM: I know it’s hard to predict, but how do you think this particular run will stack up (from a philosophical/humanitarian/or just straight physical point of view)?
Naglieri: Funny enough, my office for work is in Hopkinton – so I have driven from Hopkinton to downtown Boston many times. Now thinking about running it is crazy, but all the hard work and training runs will pay off!
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Naglieri: I have been seeing a dermatologist since I was very young, because of my father. I think melanoma is something a lot of people don’t think is so serious – but it can ultimately lead to death. When I was in high school I used to use the tanning bed, which was all too popular but now I opt for only getting spray tans which gives you the color you want but in a much safer way. I think now more than ever I take more caution than ever, making sure I wear sunscreen every day and going to the dermatologist yearly. I think a lot of people think melanoma can’t affect them – but skin checks are so important!
IM: What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us!
Naglieri: I do not have one, this is my first organized race! I plan on getting dinner with my family the night before to carbo-load and get an early night of sleep in order to be ready for the big day!
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Kelli’s runner profile here to help her reach her personal goal: https://www.givengain.com/ap/kelli-celentano-raising-funds-for-impact-melanoma//
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here: https://www.givengain.com/cc/teamimpactmelanomaboston2022/
