Meghan pictured with her grandmother, Paula, at Meghan's graduation ceremony in May 2023 (George Washington University).
It’s estimated that fewer than 1% of people will run a marathon in their lifetime. The 26.2-mile feat is not for the faint of heart. This is Meghan’s story.
Seeing my mom battle breast cancer and how she literally kicked ass was monumental to me. Her resilience and strength is what pushes me to run.
Meghan MaloneCancer advocate & CSC United team member
This fall Meghan Malone is going to do something she has never done before. Something many of us will never do. Meghan will take on a feat that demands months of training, deep resolve, and 26.2 miles of forward motion, on foot, in a matter of hours.
As part of our 2026 CSC United team, Meghan has been hard at work training for the TCS New York City Marathon on November 1. Like her teammates, Meghan is taking on "the big one" to increase awareness about CSC's evidenced-based programs and services for patients and families — always free of charge to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
"My mother has had breast cancer, and my maternal grandmother also experienced this diagnosis. They are BRCA2 gene carriers," says Meghan. “Seeing my mom battle breast cancer and how she literally kicked ass was monumental to me. Her resilience and strength is what pushes me to run. I'm telling myself that I'm not going to stop running — that's what I'm going to do. I'm just never going to stop."
Meghan has known about CSC's work nearly all her life. Her paternal grandmother Dr. Paula Malone has been an active CSC volunteer and supporter for 20 years.
In fact, Meghan has a vivid memory of her 10th birthday in 2013, when she accompanied her grandmother, Paula, to CSC’s annual gala, its signature fundraiser event. That evening Meghan proudly watched as CSC presented her grandmother with an honorary award for her long-time dedication and contributions.
"I understand that it's not only the physical aspects of cancer that can be challenging. It's the emotional aspects too,” Meghan reflects. “CSC acknowledges this reality and helps patients and their families navigate their experiences. CSC taps into a side of cancer that a lot of people don't think about all the time."
Running the NYC Marathon has been on Meghan’s bucket list for a while. Meghan, who hails from Delaware, is now a New York City resident, and competing in the city’s iconic race on CSC’s behalf is a very special bonus.
"When I first moved to New York, it was very overwhelming. Seeing the New York City Marathon in person is what made me fall in love with the city. It showed me how strong a sense of community there is all around me. Everybody was so excited to cheer on strangers — people they didn't know."
The crowd's good vibes are amplified by uplifting music playing along the marathon route. "It's going the whole time," says Meghan. "There are DJs at many stops. You're always hearing something, words of encouragement or energy for the runners."
When Meghan ties up her own laces for the race on November 2, she knows she'll have plenty of good vibes, music, and fans to boost her adrenaline.
"Knowing that my mom and my dad will be at the marathon when I run is one of the reasons I believe I will be able to finish the race," says Meghan. "I will have CSC behind me and all the people who have helped along the way, including my friends, my parents, and my grandmother Paula."
Meghan, pictured with her family during a summer trip in 2023.
More than 1 million spectators line the streets of New York City to watch the iconic marathon each year. So, it's fair to say that Meghan will also have 1 million strangers cheering for her as she runs through the city's 5 boroughs, toward a future where anyone impacted by cancer has the support they need, at any point in their cancer experience.
“I normally listen to music when I run. I'll have my headphones with me during the marathon, but I think I'd rather hear the crowds cheering. The music [outside] playing. I want to be in the moment with it.”
From the start on Staten Island to the finish in Central Park, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience powered by the energy of an iconic city and the strength of a community coming together for a shared purpose.
Will you join us? Cheer on Meghan as she races toward the finish line.
It's not only the physical aspects of cancer that can be challenging. It's the emotional aspects too. CSC acknowledges this reality and helps patients and their families navigate their experiences.
