PHILIPPI — Broaddus Hospital Board Member Crystal Gray will be participating in the 2021 Boston Marathon. The 125th marathon, which takes place October 11 in Boston, Massachusetts, consists of a 26-mile course to be completed in six hours.
Gray is a long-time runner and has participated in numerous 5K, 8K, and 10KS races but the Boston Marathon will be her first complete marathon. “As a runner, I never really had the desire to run a full marathon, but I often say, desires can change as life happens,” Gray said.
Gray’s brother, Brian, died of Multiple Myeloma in January of 2019, and during the time of his diagnosis, she and family looked to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) for information regarding his disease. “Our best source of information came from MMRF. The research foundation had answers to the questions that would prove difficult and heart-wrenching,” Gray said.
MMRF offers opportunities and events for fundraising, and Gray became most interested in “Teams for Cures”. “Teams for Cures includes hiking, biking, and running events. I applied for the Boston Marathon in 2018 and was not chosen to participate, but in June of 2021, I received an email inviting me to participate. It was both a shocking and beautiful surprise.”
As Gray prepares for the 125th Boston Marathon, she concentrates on her mental health, nutrition, endurance, and spiritual growth. “My overall goal as a team member of MMRF is to complete the race with a smile on my face and know that my brother would be proud of me. I also want to bring awareness to Multiple Myeloma. It is crucial that continued research and funding goes to finding a cure.”
In addition to being a board member at Broaddus Hospital, Gray is a third-grade teacher at Kasson Elementary Middle School. She is a native of Fayette County, WV, and is married to Wesley Gray. She has two children Jacob and Olivia Gray.
To donate to Gray’s fundraising campaign for Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), please visit: https://give.themmrf.org/fundraiser/3307512.
