Stephanie O’Leary crosses the finish line at the 2022 Boston Marathon.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
LONGMEADOW — Stephanie O’Leary, a technology assurance manager at KPMG from Longmeadow, has proven that running is about more than just fitness — it’s a way to make an impact. As a dedicated marathoner and fund raiser for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, O’Leary’s journey has taken her from a competitive figure skater to a passionate advocate for cancer research, all while balancing her professional life, family and personal fitness.
O’Leary’s marathon journey began unexpectedly. Growing up, she was not a runner. “I was a competitive figure skater, so not really a runner,” she said. It wasn’t until she joined Orangetheory Fitness, as member number one, in East Longmeadow in 2019 that she started to find a love for running. “I just started to really enjoy running in those classes, and then I started running 5Ks and then applied to be on the Dana Farber team,” O’Leary recalled. “Orangetheory classes are still a big part of my marathon training.”
This year marks her fourth run of the Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber team. Over the years, O’Leary has raised almost $70,000 for cancer research, with a personal goal of $100,000.
“My goal is five years and $100,000 raised. Then I will retire to 5Ks. I had two friends diagnosed with breast cancer and one friend who is BRCA+ and had to undergo a risk-reducing double mastectomy. My grandfather also passed away from cancer when I was in middle school,” she shared. “I just wanted to do something challenging while doing good for the hospital that played such a part in my friends’ recoveries and treatments.”
Her passion for the cause is also rooted in family. “My best friend’s father was one of the Jimmy Fund golf tournament founders,” she said. “Growing up, we always volunteered the day of the tournament and collected coins at movie theaters for the Jimmy Fund.” With this deep connection to the cause, O’Leary knew that if she ran for charity, it would always be for Dana-Farber.
One of the most impactful aspects of her marathon journey has been the opportunity to serve as a “patient partner.” In this program, marathoners are paired with children treated at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund clinic.
“Izzy was treated for leukemia and she is a thriving kindergartner who has been cancer-free since her treatment ended six months ago,” O’Leary noted. The program aims to provide hope and mentorship, but O’Leary added, “it really turns into the kids changing our lives.”
Training for the marathon has been a collaborative effort. O’Leary trains with the Dana-Farber team, which includes cancer survivors, those running in memory of loved ones, and others deeply connected to the cause.
“Our runs are supported by incredible volunteers who are past team members, volunteering because the cause is close to their hearts, and those who lost loved ones and continue to give back,” explained O’Leary. “These volunteers are the heartbeat of our team and we would not be as successful as we are without them. My teammates that I have met through these past four years have become some of my closest friends and they will remain so long after my marathon career is through.”
For O’Leary, marathon weekend is nothing short of awe-inspiring. “It’s really one of the only sporting events where elite runners and weekend warriors are taking on the same course,” she said. The support from spectators, especially along the Dana-Farber Mile, is something she cherishes. “The streets are lined with Dana-Farber employees, volunteers, past teammates, family, and friends — it is so great to get the hugs at mile 25 to help you get through that last mile.”
Looking ahead, O’Leary encourages anyone thinking of running a marathon to go for it. “It is such a sense of accomplishment, and you can really do good for the world while you are on your running journey,” she said. “I’m so grateful for my family, friends, and colleagues at KPMG who have supported me. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Team Matty and the Franceschelli family who truly taught me the meaning of being a Dana Farber runner and have helped us define our why.”
