Alright friends — we’re in the home stretch! Just 7 days until race day. Tomorrow I’ll log somewhere between 22 and 24 miles for my last long run. Gear’s ready to go, let’s hope the runner (and her legs) are as ready as my Gatorade.
Speaking of close, let’s talk about how far we’ve come. When I started this mission at the end of July, I set a goal to raise $14,000 for the Joslin Diabetes Center in memory of Becky. Today, we’re sitting at $7,829 raised — and I am blown away. I’m so incredibly grateful for every dollar, every share, and every message of encouragement.
Now, I need your help for this final push — and I’ve come up with something really special to make it fun to share.
Introducing: The Bestie Getaway Raffle!
From now until October 27th, every $25 donation made to Only 26 Miles to Go earns you one entry to win a Weekend Bestie Getaway on the South Coast of Maine!
Two FREE nights at Compass Pointe Condos — 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, less than a mile from the beach.
The only requirement? Bring your best friend.
The winner can choose any two nights from now through June 30, 2026.
This raffle means so much to me because it honors one of the best memories I have with Becky. It was the last trip we ever took together — just the two of us. My wife coordinated it as a surprise for my 40th birthday. We spent the weekend exploring Wells, Ogunquit, York, and Kennebunkport — visiting Nubble Light, eating lunch at the Cliff House, walking the beaches , and laughing endlessly. It was two days of pure friendship, joy, and peace.
I can’t imagine a more fitting tribute than giving someone else the chance to make memories like that. So please, donate, enter, and share this raffle with your own friends. Let’s keep Becky’s light shining.
Let’s get to some Donor Shoutouts…
Kerry Creeden
Kerry is one of my wife Kate’s besties and now one of mine, too. A Northeastern soccer alum, brilliant engineer, and all-around force of nature, Kerry has a warmth and humor that fills every room. She and Peter have two awesome kids, Everett and Ellie—both hockey players and year-round beach lovers. Ellie’s personality is as vibrant as her mom’s, and Everett’s quiet intelligence is his dad all the way.
Cameron Brock
Let it be known: I am a giant Cam fan. We worked together at Quickbase, where he was my right hand and, honestly, half my brain. Cam is an exceptional project manager—he anticipates problems before anyone else even sees them coming. But what stands out most is his heart. He remembers birthdays, notices when people are struggling, celebrates their wins, and gives back constantly to his community. Cam, the world’s brighter with you in it.
Harri Vivian
Harri is a bright star who lives an ocean away. Another Quickbase alum, Harri is the ultimate proof that women should run the world. Talented, strong, funny, and capable of holding everything (and everyone) together. The only person who doesn’t know how amazing she is… is Harri herself. Rupert, her adorable labradoodle, and I both know better.
Michelle Bonenfant
Also from Quickbase, Michelle is one of those rare HR pros who actually is what HR should be: people-first, real, and consistent. She knows what matters and always shows up as her full self. The kind of colleague—and friend—you’re lucky to have.
Jon O’Toole
Jon’s creativity knows no bounds. He could turn any scenario—no supplies, no time, no sleep—into an unforgettable experience. He’s an incredible entrepreneur and an even better human, deeply grounded in what truly matters: people. Jon’s latest venture, Phae, is a new kind of life and work guide powered by AI—helping people design lives where work actually fits. Check it out, it’s amazing.
Heidi Dillon
Keeping with the Quickbase theme—it says a lot about how kind and giving the people there really are. They heard my call for help with this fundraiser, and they showed up. Heidi is one of those people. She’s an incredibly talented development leader who somehow keeps about 35 plates spinning at once without dropping a single one. She channels her mom skills daily at work, leading with patience, calm, and heart. Heidi is also an amazing mom to her daughter, and I remember talking to her about Becky because they shared something meaningful in common—they were both diabetics. Thank you so much for your support, Heidi.
Bobby Bray
Ah, Bobby Bray—the man, the myth, the legend. Also from Quickbase and quite possibly the most interesting man alive. He golfs, bakes sourdough, runs triathlons, and somehow still finds time for self-reflection and growth. He’s thoughtful, kind, and the definition of “good energy.” Whoever has Bobby in their circle is lucky—he lifts everyone’s average.
We’re so close to both the race and the goal. Please consider donating, sharing, or entering the raffle. Every bit helps support the incredible work of Joslin and keeps Becky’s memory alive in the best way possible.
Big love,
Kate
Only 26 miles to go! 
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