Sheena Lawrick to Run NYC Marathon on November 1
The Evanston resident is racing to support cancer research after her son's treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Cancer
On November 1, 2026, Sheena Lawrick will participate in the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon. Lawrick is racing as a member of Fred's Team to support pediatric cancer care.
Why it matters
Lawrick participates to honor the experience of her son, Gus, who underwent treatment for retinoblastoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her run aims to generate awareness and funding for the institution that provided his care.
Lawrick has raised over $20,000 for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which reports a 99% cure rate for retinoblastoma and a 95% rate of patients retaining their eyes. The figures represent successful outcomes for patients treated at the center.
The players
Sheena Lawrick
An Evanston resident and former Olympic softball player for Team Canada in 2004 and 2008.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A world-renowned cancer treatment and research facility where Gus Lawrick received his care.
Gus Lawrick
The six-year-old son of Sheena Lawrick who was treated for retinoblastoma.
Fred's Team
A running organization that raises funds for cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
New York Road Runners
The organization that selected Lawrick for its Team Inspire marathon program.
The details
Selected by New York Road Runners for Team Inspire, Lawrick will run alongside partners Laura Lang and Sherie Buell. Her son Gus, now 6, previously received three intravitreal chemotherapy injections and three intra-arterial treatments at the center.
Timeline
February 2024: Lawrick and her wife consulted with a pediatric ophthalmologist regarding their son.
November 1, 2026: Sheena Lawrick runs in the New York City Marathon.
The Big Picture
This story marks the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon, a milestone that highlights the event's evolution from a local race to a global phenomenon. The race remains a significant platform for participants to connect personal stories of medical resilience with large-scale public initiatives.
The story illustrates the critical role of specialized pediatric treatment in managing rare conditions like retinoblastoma. Readers can see how fundraising efforts directly support the ongoing research and clinical resources available to families at institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering.
The takeaway
Supporting cancer research through marathon running is a common way for families to give back to institutions that assisted them during medical crises. Participation in such events can provide both personal closure and financial support for future life-saving treatments.
What happens next
Gus will require annual follow-up scans for the rest of his life to monitor his health following his retinoblastoma treatment.
Further reading
Learn more about local community efforts in the New York City Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston RoundTable.
