Since its inception in 1995, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s running program, Fred’s Team, has raised over $78 million towards vital cancer research. Fred’s Team is named in honor of Fred Lebow, Co-Founder of the New York City Marathon, who lost his battle with brain cancer in 1994.
This year a familiar name from the EXCEL family and local team will be running for the Fred’s Team charity at the New York City Marathon. Tina Gibble, daughter of EXCEL Co-Founder and President Matt Gibble, will be running in her first marathon in honor of her uncle and grandfather. “Our team name is Team Turco in honor of my uncle, Louis Turco, and grandfather, Lou Turco, who both passed away this past year after hard-fought battles with cancer. Big Lou and Little Lou were both patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which is why this specific charity is near and dear to us,” said Tina.
Dan Brauchli (Tina’s boyfriend who will be running with her in the NYC Marathon), Matt, and Tina at their latest Team Turco event, the Culver Lake Triathlon.
Tina’s passion and commitment to fighting cancer is not limited to running. As a recent graduate of Ithaca College’s Physical Therapy program, Tina has plans to work alongside cancer survivors for years to come, “My interest in oncology rehabilitation truly grew during my graduate years at Ithaca College. I was able to participate in an Exercise and Wellness program for cancer survivors which led me to completing my final clinical affiliation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I hope to begin my professional career working with the cancer population in either the inpatient or outpatient settings.”
For Matt Gibble, a 3-time IronMan finisher himself, this event has an even bigger meaning. “Cancer has struck our family very hard, and Tina is taking a heartfelt stance in joining the fight against cancer. It is really special to me to see Team Turco (the family charity) supporting Fred’s Team, and my own daughter running for the cause. To say that I am proud is an understatement.”