York Town News
York High School alumna races to make a difference
By Jennifer L. Saunders
York High School alumna Molly Rothermel, left, will run in the Boston Marathon on Monday in honor of her sister Robyn, a member of York High School's Class of 2000. Robyn is a survivor of childhood leukemia and is currently in the Army, stationed in Afghanistan. Molly has raised more than $5,000 to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society while training for the marathon.
Courtesy photo
Molly, a York High School alumna of the Class of 1997 who now teaches mathematics to eighth-grade students at Rye Junior High School, is part of a team of runners supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She has been raising money for cancer research and education while she builds her strength and stamina in anticipation of Monday's upcoming race.
For Molly, the cause is an extremely personnel one. Her younger sister, Robyn, is a survivor of childhood leukemia.
"So many people's lives have been touched by cancer," she said. "I began thinking, how can I give back?"
Robyn was diagnosed when she was four years old, completing treatments when she was six. Molly said her family has been very fortunate that Robyn's story is such a success: the cancer has never returned.
"My parents did a great job of making things as normal as possible," Molly said.
Molly ran a half-marathon in New Hampshire for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society two years ago.
"It was a great experience all the way around. I thought this year I'd go for the full - and make it the Boston Marathon," she said with a smile, adding, "Runners are such good people. They're wonderful to be around."
As of last week, Molly had raised $5,100 with donations still coming in. Those who wish to assist her fundraising effort have until May 16 to do so through Molly's link on the team's website at www.active.com/donate/tntma/tntmaMRother1.
"It's been phenomenal to see the support from friends and family," Molly said of her effort to date.
Robyn, meanwhile, who is also a York High School graduate, is now serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. She had hoped to be home to see her sister run in the marathon, but her tour of duty was recently extended for four months.
Molly describes Robyn as a person of unfailing optimism. That is something, evidently, that is a family trait, as Molly beams even when describing her intensive marathon training that began back in November.
"A marathon is challenging, but it's nothing compared to fighting cancer," she said. "I think how fortunate I am that I can do this."
Molly has been training with a team of volunteer runners for the society in Wellesley, Mass. The training schedule includes long runs on Saturday, with shorter ones on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and cross-training on Wednesday and Friday.
"Sunday is our day of rest," she said, smiling.
Robyn, meanwhile, joined the Army a couple of years after high school. Molly said she believes her sister has found her niche in a calling all her own while Molly and her father Dan are both educators, and mother Hannah is known throughout York for her work with senior citizens and with Hospice of York.
From raising awareness of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to training and sharing stories with other runners to the support of her fellow staff members and the students at Rye Junior High School, the entire experience has been a positive one for Molly.
"It's bigger than just one person," she explained. "You can overcome a challenge at the same time that you're helping an organization like this."
On race day, use Molly's bib number - 20974 - to track her progress online through the Boston Athletic Association website at www.bostonmarathon.org.
For more on the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
