Team IMPACT: Meet Kelly Dean
The 49th New York City Marathon commences on Sunday, November 3rd, and IMPACT Melanoma will be well represented with our powerful and dedicated group of runners, Team IMPACT. 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.
Each of our team members have 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, Kelly Dean!
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
Kelly Dean: I learned about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT from my sister Abby. We have entered the lottery for New York pretty much every year since we started running together, and this year I got in! Abby then began looking for a charity spot so that I would not have to run alone. She did the research and found IMPACT Melanoma. She was specifically looking for an organization associated with melanoma because she had Stage 1A in her mid 20s. When she found IMPACT Melanoma, she sent me some information and we went over the application together. I thought it was a perfect fit, and was excited when she made the team!
IM: What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
Dean: My initial plan was to help Abby meet her fundraising goals, and, then, as she got more involved with her own fundraising efforts, she encouraged me to join the team also. I previously raised money for another charity to run my first half marathon – the Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon in Savannah – and remembered how rewarding that experience had been. I ran in memory of a family friend that had died of cancer, and it really puts things in perspective when you are out there running and don’t think you can push any harder.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
Dean: I have only run one other marathon, and that was the Marine Corps Marathon with my sister. We have run quite a few half marathons together. “Mind over matter” is my takeaway from all of these experiences, and I think that is really powerful.
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)?
Dean: I think it will be the best run yet! The best way to explore a different place is on foot, and this will be such a fun way to explore New York City.
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Dean: Wear sunscreen! It’s that easy and obvious, but so important. I have always loved the sun (astrological sign: Leo) and was not so diligent in my younger days about applying and re-applying sunscreen. Skin cancer was something that I did not really think about until it hit close to home, which is why skin cancer education for teens and young adults is 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!
Dean: I lay out everything the night before, and try to get a good night’s sleep (although I usually never do!). Breakfast is always peanut butter on an English muffin and a banana.
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Kelly’s runner profile here to help her reach her personal goal: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma-nyc-2019/kellydean9
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma-nyc-2019/impactmelanoma
Get social by following along: #TCSNYCMarathon
