Marathoner Chekijian Runs for Dana-Farber

Chekijian credits Dana-Farber’s well-organized partnership program for approaching him with the idea of taking a “patient partner” this year.

As an active member of the local Armenian community, Chekijian knew of Gabriel Aljalian, the son of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church pastor Rev. Arakel Aljalian and his wife Natasha. Gabriel, at the age of 4, is battling leukemia. Without hesitation, Chekijian chose Aljalian as his patient partner for 2013.

Through the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Partner Program, Chekijian has had the opportunity to spend more time with Gabriel through events such as a recent Jimmy Fund poster-making party — an opportunity he says he is grateful for. “The simple act of running and that it can raise money for cancer research, and just being able to spend time with Gabriel has had a positive impact on me,” said Chekijian.

From his perspective as a runner, Chekijian said running in honor of Gabriel Aljalian has even helped him train for the arduous 26-mile run. “The motivation I get from him helps me. When I feel like giving up and I’m tired and in pain, I think about this little boy and his strength, suffering and what he is going through. He gives me the strength to keep going, to keep running,” said Chekijian.

At a March 23 fundraiser held at St. James Church, the community helped raise more than $7,000 towards Chekijian’s running challenge. In total, Chekijian has raised more than $18,000 this Challenge year, 100 percent of which will go directly to the Dana-Farber Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research.

Chekijian hopes to reach his goal of $20,000 during these final few days before the marathon on Monday, April 15.