I had been dating Shaun Pinney for a few months after he decided to introduce me to his father, Brad. All I remember thinking was,"This is a big deal, I'm meeting the parents!" We met at Fenway Beer Works and in walked Mr. Pinney, a towering man of 6'5". But as soon as he smiled, my intimidation dissapeared. When we finished dinner, I remember going to shake his hand. Instead he gave me a huge hug and we both chuckled, because we were on a "hugging status now." I will never forget that hug.
Although Brad had recently been diagnosed with cancer, his strengh and giving spirit was immediately evident. I soon learned Brad Pinney spent his life going above and beyond for others - whether it be in the line of fire as Captain of the Wilbraham Fire Department, volunteering his time on countless community boards or simply by being a good father, husband, coach and neighbor - he was an example of what it truly means to give 100% to others. When Mr. Pinney passed away, there was a line for hours outside the door, hundreds of people from the community coming to pay respects and thank him for his generosity.
Although I never got to know Brad like his friends and famlly did, I consider myself closer to him than ever before. The Pinney family has welcomed me into their home and I am so grateful for that. Their strength and generosity is clearly a legacy of the love and closeness Mr. Pinney built within his family.
When Nicole Pinney (his daughter) told me they were ready to celebrate her dad's life, we began brainstorming. She is a true reflection of her father in so many ways...always thinking of ways to get involved and genuinely help others. That is what led us to the Melanoma Foundation's Running for Cover Team.
Please donate to our cause by making a donation in honor of Brad. All proceeds will benefit the Melanoma Foundation's programs for early detection and skin cancer prevention.
And please keep following this blog! I'll be posting lots and lots of marathon training pics in the months to come!
Please Support My Race Against Melanoma...In Loving Memory of Brad Pinney
On April 19th, 2010, I will be running the Boston Marathon, in honor of a very special man and his family. In September 2008, Brad Pinney passed away at age 58, after a couragous six-month battle with Melanoma. Brad was an amazing man, a stong father and loyal neighbor, who spent countless hours giving back to his community. Together, we can give back in his honor and fight the battle against Melanoma.
My goal is to raise a minimum of $5,000 for the Melanoma Foundation of New England. With your support, we can help other families detect, prevent and cope with Melanoma.
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