Claudia Wagner and Emma Katz at Cape Cod half marathon, September 2014
Columbia High School graduate Emma Katz (Class of 2013) will be running the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18 to benefit the Melanoma Foundation of New England and honor the memory of her late grandmother and Maplewood’s own Bob Miller, both of whom succumbed to metastatic melanoma in the last three years.
“Emma’s efforts to raise funds to encourage awareness regarding melanoma prevention and cure has been motivated by their experiences,” said Emma’s mother Claudia Wagner.
Indeed, Emma’s fundraising page states:
“More personally, we are running to honor the memory of Annie Wagner (Claudia’s mother and Emma’s grandmother) and Bob Miller (our close friend and neighbor). Both Annie and Bob died from advanced stage melanoma and left behind a devoted and wide-ranging circle of friends and family. Were it not for melanoma, both of these vibrant individuals would still be contributing to their communities and their families.
“Please join in our efforts and contribute what you can – also, check with your employers for matching gift options. Any amount matters! And now, back to running!!”
Emma, now a student at Northeastern University, has previously run half marathons. Boston will be her first full marathon. Claudia Wagner had planned to run with her daughter but has been sidelined with a knee injury.
Locals who want to support Emma’s fundraiser effort can visit Emma’s team page here: https://www.crowdrise.com/mfneboston2016/fundraiser/emmakatz1
Go, Emma!
