The Inspiring Stories Behind the Run as One 4M Presented by JPMorgan Chase

The 21st annual Run as One 4M Presented by JPMorgan Chase is set for Sunday, April 12 with an accompanying Health Walk at Run as One Presented by JPMorgan Chase 1.4M. The event raises funds and awareness for lung cancer research and honors former Chase Manhattan Bank Chairman Tom Labrecque, a lifelong never-smoker who passed away from lung cancer at age 62.

Below, we share stories from event entrants who have a personal connection to lung cancer. According to the Thomas G. Labrecque Foundation, more than 60% of lung cancer cases occur in individuals who have never smoked or who quit years before being diagnosed.

To learn more about the Thomas G. Labrecque Foundation and its commitment to preventing lung cancer through education and research, visit tglfoundation.com.

John Ilawan, Kew Gardens

John will be participating in the Run as One 4M for his grandfather, who passed away due to lung cancer in 2013 when John was a sophomore in high school.

“He was in the Philippines, and I was living here in New York,” said John, 27. “Unfortunately we couldn’t make the funeral.”

John started running in the summer of 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic. “Running has transformed my life for the better. It healed the mental health issues I was dealing with at the time and improved my physical health as well," he said. "Running also gives me the power and opportunity to empower not just myself but others.”

He became a member of New York Road Runners in 2024 and ran Run as One that year and in 2025. “I knew I had to sign up when I found out this race is dedicated to support, awareness, and research for lung cancer,” he said. He set a personal best in both races and dedicated the miles to his grandfather’s memory. “I had a little angel for both races.”

Sharon Pomerantz, Brooklyn

Shortly after she graduated from high school in the early 1990s, Sharon joined the Smart Start Scholarship Program at Chase Manhattan Bank under the leadership of Thomas Labrecque.

“I had the extraordinary honor to meet him and eventually his wonderful family as I managed that very same program for eight years,” said Sharon, 51, who has spent her entire career at JPMorgan Chase. “I’m grateful every day for his leadership and for the scholarship opportunity as it was the building blocks and foundation for my career.”

Sharon lost her mother-in-law to lung cancer and other family members to different cancers. “I hope one day there is more awareness and cures,” she said.

Alana Detenbeck, Manhattan

Alana and her husband, Roy Bacot, will run the Run as One together for the first time this year. Roy was diagnosed with military service–related lung cancer in 2021 and has undergone a lobectomy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

“As a lifelong non-smoker, it was such a shock,” said Alana, 43. “I have had the joy of watching him relaunch his running journey. From the hospital when he needed a walker to move around to most recently running the 2026 Tokyo Marathon on his way to collect his sixth [Abbott World Marathon Majors] star in NYC this fall, we don’t take any step for granted.”

Lisa Swan, Staten Island

Lisa received the Ted Corbitt Dedicated Athlete of the Year Award at NYRR Club Night in February for running more miles than any other participant in 2025 NYRR races, and she was a member of Team Inspire at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon.

“I smoked cigarettes for over 20 years and now have been smoke-free for over 20 years,” said Lisa, 59. “Lung cancer is a disease that doesn't get enough funding because of the stigma, even though many people, like Thomas Labrecque, never smoked.”

Lisa ran the Run as One in 2025 and will run again this year. “I make it a point to run this race every year to help with the cause.”

Damir Romano, Brooklyn

Damir spent four years working at a clinical research organization focused on oncology studies, including lung cancer.

“I’m participating in the Run as One 4M because I’m passionate about healthcare and raising awareness for lung cancer research, so this cause hits close to home for me,” said Damar, 28, who’s gotten more serious about running longer distances over the past year.

“It has become something that truly grounds me. Running clears my mind, energizes me, and gives me something to look forward to.” Race day will be special, he said, “because of the sense of community and being surrounded by people who care about similar causes.”

Photos of John Ilawan, Alana Detenbeck, and Lisa Swan by MarathonFoto.

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