CBI’s own Amy Bensle recently achieved two great feats- running the Boston Marathon and supporting a great cause.  Inspired by her previous work for the organization, Amy single-handedly raised over $3000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in order to meet the Marathon’s qualification requirements. 

In January of 2007, when Amy first began her training, she admits to being skeptical she would ever be able to finish an entire marathon.  At this time, she was only able to run about two miles.  Amy persevered, however, and dedicated herself to training until she was able to finish her first half marathon in May of 2007, the Big Lake Half Marathon in Alton Bay, NH. 

Halfway to her goal, Amy continued to train even more diligently, and with the support of a team of over 135 participants, three coaches, four honored heroes, and many friends and family members, Amy achieved her goal of becoming a marathoner and finished the Boston Marathon with a time of 5:04:15. 

When asked what kept her motivated during training, Amy is quick to cite a quote from an admired cancer survivor whom she refers to as one her personal heroes.  As he so eloquently articulates, “If you think running a marathon is tough, try chemotherapy.” 

This became Amy’s mantra, and helped Amy’s team to raise over $750,000 in aid towards the fight against blood cancers.  Amy chose to run the Boston Marathon because she felt it was the perfect way to give back to all the families who have inspired her, to support all the members of her family who have survived or lost their battle with cancer, and lastly, to achieve the admirable goal of running a marathon.

Amy’s determination and drive to succeed shine through not only in her philanthropic efforts, but also in her professional work at CBI.  Amy attests that her continual strength and motivation is attained through stories of courage which inspire her to “be the best that you can be every single day.”