First Comes Raising, Then Comes Racing

On April 17, more than 50 Natick residents will lace up their running shoes, hit the pavement and race to the Boston Marathon finishing line. While the marathon itself has not yet taken place at the time of this writing, the race is on for some runners affiliated with the town as they work to raise funds for various organizations.
Two members of the Natick Police Department will be running to raise money for the organization Cops for Kids With Cancer. The cause donates to families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer by providing each family financial relief in the amount of $5,000. To date, more than $2.4 million has been donated to affected families.
“[Cops for Kids With Cancer] is a popular charity, and being a police officer, I thought it was a good fit,” Natick Police Officer Serge Melnik said.
Melnik, who has been on the force for more than four years, said this is his second year running the marathon. While Melnik admits it is difficult to juggle training with his work schedule, he said the effort is worth the reward.
“It’s a bit of a challenge, but it’s a wonderful thing, and the charity is so great,” he said. “My goal for this year is $3,000, and we’ve posted on the department website, as well as on social media. People know I run the marathon, and if I put up a picture it generates a lot of attention; people get into it because it’s a good cause.”
Melnik will be running alongside Natick Police Detective Ryan Payne, whose young son was previously diagnosed with leukemia, though is fortunately now doing well. Payne’s family was touched by the help they received from Cops for Kids With Cancer, Melnik said, and the two are honored to be raising money for the cause.
Also running for an organization is Norwood High School Principal Brian Harrigan, who will be racing to benefit SPARK Kindness, a Natick-based organization that works to empower youth and promote kindness and respect in the community.
“I am delighted that SPARK Kindness exists, and every town should be so lucky,” Harrigan said. “As a high school principal, I say anti-bullying is very important, because you can’t learn if you don’t feel safe. SPARK Kindness makes that possible.”
Harrigan’s has set up a page through the fundraising website CrowdRise to help hit his $4,000 goal. Though the seasoned runner has run more than a dozen marathons in the past, the Hopkinton resident says this race will be extra meaningful.
“I grew up with the Boston Marathon,” Harrigan said. “It was part of my consciousness, and it’s taken on a really personal meaning. To be starting in my hometown, running through my adopted town, and racing for an organization like SPARK is very important to me.”