Team IMPACT: Meet Morgan Williams
The 123rd Boston Marathon commences on Monday, April 15th, 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 word.
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 in excess of $2 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 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, Morgan Williams!
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
Morgan Williams: Having recently been treated for melanoma in September and always having a passion to run the Boston Marathon I wanted to find a charity that was close to my heart. A friend who has run the Boston Marathon in the past shared information on IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT with me. I felt an immediate connection to 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?
Williams: I am excited and honored to be running the 2019 Boston Marathon for IMPACT Melanoma.
I had planned to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 7, 2018, training all the way up to 18 miles. I raised over $1,100 for the American Heart Association with the help of some amazing family and friends. I went to the dermatologist in September where I had a mole test positive for melanoma in situ. This, I learned, is the earliest and best stage to catch melanoma. After surgery, the cancer is gone and I’m healthy. The recovery period after surgery doesn’t allow for strenuous activity. I observed the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon from the sidelines.
Having a spot on the IMPACT Melanoma team will allow me to raise awareness of melanoma and the importance of safe skin. As a 26-year-old female I never would have thought of melanoma as a possibility, but I’ve since learned that melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults. I’m hoping to educate others and help to prevent cases like mine.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
Williams: I have one marathon under my belt. I ran the 2017 Eversource Hartford, Connecticut Marathon. Originally from Connecticut, it was memorable to be able to complete by first marathon at home with close family and friends cheering me on. After crossing the finish line, I was immediately hooked. Boston will be a special run as it has been my home for the past 8 years. Knowing that I will also be supporting IMPACT Melanoma and raising awareness on the importance of skin safety will make it even more special.
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)?
Williams: I strongly believe this run will be one of the most rewarding runs of my life. I’ve always had the Boston Marathon on my bucket list. I never thought I would be running it while also supporting an organization that I have such a close connection to.
Over the next few months as I train and fundraise, I’m hoping to improve the lives of individuals by making them more aware of melanoma and the impact it can have and how it can be prevented.
After having to sit on the sidelines of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon due to melanoma, crossing the finish line on Boylston street, while also knowing I have raised over $9,000 towards reducing the incidence of melanoma will be nothing short of an indescribable moment.
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Williams: Before visiting the dermatologist this past September, I truly hadn’t given skin care much thought. I was cautious of the chemicals in different skincare products and wore sunscreen at the beach, but I hadn’t been to the dermatologist in over 8 years.
Having recently been treated for melanoma in situ, I now have an entirely new perspective on the practice of safe skin. Knowing that skin cancer can be prevented, encourages me to help spread the word daily on preventative actions. These include staying out of the sun during peak hours, re applying sunscreen and a yearly screening at the dermatologist to name a few.
I am grateful that a visit to the dermatologist allowed me to detect melanoma at its earliest stage. Since my surgery in September, family and friends have already made it a point to schedule an appointment with their own dermatologist. I’m hoping that through my own efforts and now being a part of Team IMPACT, I will be able to raise awareness and help others to see the importance of taking care of one’s skin.
IM: What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us!
Williams: I grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut where the center of town is home to one of my go-to restaurants, Half Moon Café. I rarely ever need an excuse to eat pasta, but before the marathon I will be carbo loading with one of my favorite dishes, Half Moon’s penne alla vodka. And yes, logistically this will require my parents to trek the pasta from Connecticut to Boston the night before the marathon!
The Boston Marathon will also be my first time running a marathon without headphones. Only recently have I began running without music. I’m learning to enjoy the escape from my phone entirely and look forward to the conversations with friends while training. I have no doubt that both the crowd on the sidelines and knowing I have hit my fundraising efforts and raised awareness to support IMPACT Melanoma will be enough to get me from Hopkinton to Boylston Street on April 15th.
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Morgan’s runner profile here to help her reach her personal goal: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma-boston-2019/morganwilliams7
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/team/impact-melanoma-boston-2019
