A ‘winning’ race for the 2025 ALS Cellucci Fund Boston Marathon team

Five marathoners. Months of intensive training—in winter and early spring weather. Fundraising to support leading-edge ALS research. 26.2 miles raced along the most iconic marathon route in the world. Ever closer to curing a devastating disease. 

On April 21, it all came together at the Boston Marathon. After tireless preparation, the 2025 UMass ALS Cellucci Fund Boston Marathon team competed in the historic race—an emotional, exhilarating and unforgettable experience. The team’s heroic efforts raised nearly $100,000, an all-around win, with each runner far exceeding the goal set by the Cellucci Fund. 

All funds raised support ALS research at UMass Chan Medical School, including the pioneering lab of Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD, the Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Neurosciences and professor of neurology. The Cellucci Fund was launched under the leadership of the late Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci, who died from ALS in 2013. 

This year’s team members included: 

Katie Cahill of West Roxbury

Katie ran her second consecutive Boston Marathon as part of the Cellucci Fund team in honor of her father, Shea Cahill, who passed away from ALS in 2023. Running began as her way of coping with his diagnosis and has since become her way of raising money for ALS research as a charity runner.

James Julian of Needham

"Being a part of the 2025 UMass ALS Cellucci Fund marathon team meant running for a cause bigger than myself. It was an honor to support Paul Cellucci’s legacy and raise money for ALS research. Being from Boston, each mile was a blessing to pass and gave me hope that there will soon be better treatments for those with ALS."

John Kelly of Worcester

“More than just running 26.2 miles, it was an awesome way to raise attention and support for ALS. Every step taken and every dollar raised felt like a direct contribution to the vital research being done at UMass Chan Medical School. Knowing that our efforts are directly supporting the search for treatments and a cure for this devastating disease is incredibly motivating.”

Daniela (Dani) Micsan of Reston, Virginia

“I am so grateful to have been a part of raising funds for research to stem the progression of, and one day find a cure for, ALS.  Spreading awareness of this cruel disease through the Cellucci Fund was life-changing for me. Turning ‘right on Hereford, left on Boylston’ was so emotional. I teared up, picked up my pace, ran tall, and crossed that finish line with Jim Gower and Dhaval Patel, who both died from ALS and for whom I ultimately ran this race, right there with me.”  

Jaclyn (Jackie) Reiss of New York City

“It was incredible to run the marathon in honor of my husband, Matt, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2023. I was also able to get my message across to everyone watching the WCVB broadcast, which resulted in hundreds of dollars in race-day donations! We hope that there will be a cure for ALS in Matt's lifetime, and funding research like that being done at UMass Chan is critical to that mission.”

Visit the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund site to learn more about the team.