From Megan Deeter
July 16, 2026
When most people think about running the New York City Marathon, they think about the challenge of conquering 26.2 miles through the streets of one of the world’s most iconic cities. For Connie Rudy, MSN, APRN, OHC Advanced Practice Provider, the race represents something much bigger.
OHC Advanced Practice Provider, Connie Rudy, MSN, APRN
This fall, Connie will join thousands of runners in the New York City Marathon as a member of Fred’s Team, the official fundraising team of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The team brings together individuals from across the country who are united by a common goal: advancing cancer research and supporting exceptional cancer care.
For Connie, the opportunity is deeply meaningful. Every day, she works alongside patients and families facing cancer, helping them navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. She will also train and run in honor of her dad, Fred Willike and all others affected by cancer. Participating in the marathon allows her to support the cancer community in an entirely different way, by raising funds that help drive future breakthroughs in treatment, research, and patient care.
While earning a spot on Fred’s Team is an incredible accomplishment, it also comes with commitment. To participate, each runner must meet a fundraising goal, and Connie is working to raise at least $4,500 in support of cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
At OHC, we are incredibly proud of Connie’s dedication both inside and outside the clinic. Her decision to take on this challenge reflects Connie’s commitment to the OHC Core Values of Compassion, Integrity, Innovation, Quality, and most importantly, a Patient-Centric approach to treating cancer.
Cancer research has transformed the lives of countless patients. Advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, precision medicine, and supportive care have improved outcomes and created new options for patients facing many types of cancer. These advances are only possible because of continued investment in research and innovation.
Fundraising initiatives like Fred’s Team help support scientists, physicians, and researchers who are working to discover new treatments and improve patient care. Every contribution, large or small, helps move that work forward.
For the OHC cancer experts who care for cancer patients every day, the impact of research is not abstract. It is seen in the faces of our patients who gain access to new therapies, experience better quality of life, or benefit from treatment advances that were not available just a few years ago.
“Every day, I have the privilege of caring for patients whose lives are affected by cancer. Running the New York City Marathon is an opportunity to support the research and innovation that give patients hope for the future. If my efforts can help advance cancer research or improve care for even one patient, every mile and every training run will be worth it.”
As Connie prepares for race day, she is also working toward her fundraising goal. Community support plays an important role in helping Fred’s Team members reach their commitments and maximize the impact they can make. For more information or to send words of encouragement, visit https://give.mskcc.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=4472&px=5861244.
Training for a marathon requires months of preparation, discipline, and determination. Balancing that commitment while continuing to provide exceptional care to patients is no small feat, but those who know Connie know she is more than up to the challenge.
This November, as runners make their way through New York City’s five boroughs, Connie will be running for more than a finish line. She will be running in support of cancer research, cancer care, and the OHC patients whose courage inspires her and the rest of OHC every day.
From all of us at OHC, we are proud to support Connie’s efforts and wish her the very best as she trains for the race ahead.
OHC is proud to recognize the many ways our employees use their time and talents to support individuals and families affected by cancer. Volunteer activities are entirely voluntary and do not necessarily represent the views or endorsements of OHC. This article, including the embedded link, is provided for informational purposes only. OHC does not administer, sponsor, or solicit donations for the featured employee or organization, and any decision to participate in or contribute to any such effort is entirely personal.
