Tewksbury Resident, Melissa Meech, prepares for the Boston Marathon.
For Tewksbury resident Melissa Meech, running has always been more than a hobby. This year, it has taken on an even deeper meaning as she prepares to run her first-ever Boston Marathon in support of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.
In November 2024, her father was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, a moment that changed her family’s life overnight. As they navigate the challenges and uncertainty ahead, Melissa has turned to running as a way to honor him and support others facing similar battles.
Running has been a constant in Melissa’s life since she was fifteen. Over the years, it has taken her around the world—from the deserts of the United Arab Emirates and Oman to races and trails in Japan, Turkey, Australia, Hungary, and Germany. Yet Boston has always stood apart. With both her sister and cousin having completed the race, the marathon has long held special significance—one that now carries even greater emotional weight.
This year, her run is not only for her father but also for her children.
“I want them to see what it looks like when a woman pushes through fear, doubt, and exhaustion in pursuit of something greater than herself — and to carry that same resilience with them as they face challenges of their own,” she shared. “Just as importantly, I want them to understand the importance of giving back.”
Melissa has also spent years connecting her passion for running with service. She has raised thousands of dollars for causes such as the Terry Fox Run, the Lowell General Hospital TeamWalk for Cancer Care, and the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Her decision to run on behalf of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation stems from its mission to ease the financial and emotional burdens of cancer treatment—something her family now understands firsthand. Through her effort, Melissa hopes to transform each mile into meaningful impact for families navigating similar hardships.
“And, of course, I’m running for my city,” Melissa reflected. “Boston represents resilience, unity, and heart. As I run, I will carry with me the memory of those who were killed or injured in the Marathon bombing…a solemn reminder that this race is sacred, powerful, and shaped by extraordinary courage.”
As race day approaches, Melissa is preparing not just for 26.2 miles, but for a deeply personal journey. Running the Boston Marathon this year is a way to transform miles into impact, stand beside families like hers, and carry her father’s strength with her all the way to Boylston Street.
Kari Weinstein
Kari studied Journalism and Advertising at Boston University and lived in Boston for 10 years, most recently moving to Tewksbury in early 2024. She has experience writing and producing content for radio and television.
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