Winchester Resident Runs Boston Marathon for Family Reach Foundation

Winchester resident Karina Chmielewski is readying for her first Boston Marathon this year to support the Family Reach Foundation.

Chmielewski, 37, is a cancer researcher for Cambridge-based Agios Pharmaceuticals. She said she is "passionately believing that one day my scientific efforts will make a difference and transform (the) lives of cancer patients."

Chmielewski, a first-time Boston Marathon participant running in her second road race, said she is privileged to be running on behalf of Family Reach Foundation and their collaboration with Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center.

"Family Reach Foundation provides financial relief (and) heartfelt support to families fighting cancer," Chmielewski said. "They provide direct and immediate relief to the many local families who are being faced with the everyday hardships that a cancer diagnosis may bring.

"While these families remain focused on the healthful recovery of their child who is battling cancer, they are often confronted with financial challenges in addition to the physical and emotional demands of keeping their family afloat."

For anyone considering running a marathon, Chmielewski had a couple training tips for prospective runners.

"Buy a pair of thermal running pants, warm running jacket, wool hat and mittens and be prepared to train in Boston's snowstorms, 1-2 blizzards, 7 (degree Fahrenheit) weather," she said. "Have a 16-week training plan and stick to it no matter what...not every day will be fun, but 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.'

"Train smart, not hard - don't get injured. Enjoy the last taper week, feel your adrenaline rising daily."

As for the day of the marathon, Chmielewski said she plans to "run, smile and enjoy every moment of it."

For more information about Family Reach Foundation, check out this video or Chmielewski's fundraising page.