Roy Zaletski


When I pull on my BSNCF shirt for a run, race, or even a hike – I know that I am raising awareness about and spreading the message of this amazing charity. 

“We should go for a run sometime.”  What began as a conversation between two new neighbors in 2008 was my first introduction to John Searing and has since turned into a friendship that now stretches into its second decade.  It has been through John that I have been made aware of the amazing work done by the BSNCF, the lives which it has positively impacted, and the message of hope which it spreads.

My own family has been impacted on multiple occasions by cancer.  My mom is a breast cancer survivor, now fully 17 years in remission following treatment she received in the Richmond, VA area.  More recently my father was treated for prostate cancer, and thus far we have been fortunate to have seen positive results from the care he received.  And at this very moment my father-in-law is undergoing treatment for Stage 3 pancreatic cancer – a diagnosis that he has approached with his typical mix of vigor, optimism, and a sense of humor. 

Running has long been my preferred method of exercise and entering races is something that has been part of my annual routine.   As my children became old enough, they also joined the fray, whether it was the Kids’ Mile prior to the Shamrock Half Marathon, the cross-country team at their school, or joining their mom and I to hike Torrey Pines State Park and Beach.  And even though we moved from Virginia in 2014, my first race wearing a BSNCF shirt was when John and I met up in Eugene, OR in 2017 for the Eugene Half Marathon.

On that day, and each time since, when I pull on my BSNCF shirt for a run, race, or even a hike – I know that I am raising awareness about and spreading the message of this amazing charity.  I am proud to represent all those whose hard work contributes to the success of BSNCF and the carrying out of its mission.  Their message of positivity, hope, and kindness is making a difference for so many people – and will do so for years to come.

– Roy Zaletski, California

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