Running a Marathon…Again

This past May, I lost my best friend of 27 years, Becky Gabriel, to a sudden and devastating illness. It’s still hard to grasp. Becky was a force — a beam of light in every room. She made everything warmer, funnier, and more joyful. She had this extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. With Becky, you always belonged. That was her gift — loving people fully, exactly as they were.

The weeks since her passing have felt disorienting. When someone who knew you better than you know yourself is suddenly gone, it leaves a silence that’s impossible to explain. We witnessed each other’s lives — every win, every mistake, every comeback. Without her, I’ve been asking myself: Did it all really happen? And who holds that history now?

For me, there’s always been one thing that helps me find my footing again: running.

Running has grounded me for decades — through joy, heartbreak, confusion, and celebration. On days when I didn’t know what else to do, I ran. When I needed to think something through, or just get out of my own head, I ran… and then I called Becky. Now, I run because I can’t call her.

I had already planned to run the Marine Corps Marathon this fall. I had even mentioned it to Becky. She laughed and said I was crazy — but in classic Becky style, she followed it with: “You have to do it.”

So I am. And I’m running in her memory.

I’m also raising money for the Joslin Diabetes Center, where Becky received care for her Type 1 diabetes for many years. It feels right. Becky faced her diabetes with courage and humor. She could laugh at the absurdity of a low blood sugar moment — like the time she was supposed to carry an advent candle to the altar and instead wandered in a full circle and gently placed it on the floor. We laughed about that for years.

Becky would never have wanted attention — but she would have wanted to help others. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

I’ve set a goal to raise $14,000 in Becky’s honor — a number inspired by her favorite number: 4. She was born on April 4th, was one of four siblings, stood 4’11”, and wore that number like a badge of pride.

You can donate now via my Facebook Fundraiser page that takes the money directly from you to the Joslin via PayPal Giving Fund.

Every dollar helps people living with diabetes live longer, healthier lives — and it helps me carry Becky’s memory forward with every step I run.

Thank you for helping me turn grief into something that heals.

With love,
Kate