Walpole Siblings Run Falmouth Road Race for Breast Cancer Charity

The Falmouth Road Race is much more than just a scenic 7-mile run to the Cullen siblings, Johnny, Shannon, Meaghan, and Hannah. As they have for the past three years, the family ran on Ellie Fund’s team in honor of their mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. This year, the siblings ranging from 31 to 24 years old, recruited 19 additional family and friends, who all ran and fundraised for Ellie Fund, a breast cancer organization that supported their mom Marie during her treatment.

Ellie Fund, a Massachusetts-based breast cancer nonprofit provides non-medical services including grocery gift cards, meal delivery, transportation assistance, childcare reimbursement, and light housekeeping. Their mission is to reduce the financial and emotional stress that comes along with breast cancer treatment.?

Marie’s immediate and extended family and her many friends weaved a strong support system for the?Walpole mom of four during her year of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Ellie Fund became part of that journey. “It was really nice to have access to extra support that my family and I never expected,” said Marie. “Ellie Fund took away the stress of some of the daily finances with gift cards to grocery stores and gas cards. Having the extra help when going through a difficult time like this was something I’ll never forget.”?

Committed to honoring their mom, an avid runner and former Boston Marathon finisher, the Cullen siblings called on friends and family to join them in the annual Falmouth Road Race. It was icing on the cake that it took place in one of their all-time favorite places, Woods Hole, where the Cullen family has vacationed for 20+ years. Shannon, the oldest daughter of the Cullen family, notes that while her mother’s breast cancer journey was challenging, it is “the power of love and the relationships we have with the people in our lives” that remains in the forefront of her mind. As does Ellie Fund, which always tries to make a personal touch with its patients. “Not only did they send gift cards for groceries, they sent personal letters of support throughout her treatment.”

Now in year three, and with Marie’s cancer in remission, the 23 members of the “Cullen Clan” helped Ellie Fund’s team of 72 runners raise over $120,000. “This is our largest and most successful Falmouth team ever,” shared Ellie Fund’s Executive Director Meredith Mendelson. “This money can fund services for 120 of our breast cancer patients. We are so grateful to the Cullens and all of the other Team Ellie members. No one saves for breast cancer and Ellie Fund is here to help with no financial need required.”

The 52nd?Annual Falmouth Road Race was held on August 18. More than 11,000 runners took to the course, many running as part of the race’s charity team program. As it is for many, it was the Cullen siblings’ favorite weekends of the year.?

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