John Sisson To Run The Boston Marathon In Support Of Dana-Farber

DEDHAM, MA - In his role as the Town of Dedham's community development director, John Sisson works to assist local businesses in finding the resources they need to thrive.

He is now helping others in a different capacity by participating in his first Boston Marathon at age 56 to support to people suffering from cancer, a disease that claimed his wife, Laura Rutherford, in January.

"She was diagnosed with a cancer called multiple myeloma three years ago," Sisson explained. "This spring we were trying to figure out how to deal with it. This seemed like a worthwhile thing to do."

Although he and his sons didn't call Rutherford "Mama Bear," he said that was their nickname for her and inspiration for their team's name.

"She was a real force, and she is sorely missed," Sisson added.

The disease causes the overgrowth of plasma cells in the bone marrow, which leads to a low blood count. More information can be found on the American Cancer Society's website.

He donated platelets earlier in the week at Dana-Farber, reinforcing his commitment to help others with the disease. He donates every two weeks, but will take a break just before the big race.

The Newton resident is part of Team Mama Bear, running the 125th Boston Marathon alongside his eldest son and his friend, Mike Capan. His son never has run a marathon before either, so partnering with him made the experience even more meaningful.

"We've raised about $37,000 for cancer research and the care of patients," he said. "That's motivational for us."

Sisson wanted to do something to give back to the organization that had been so supportive of his wife, noting that she had been a volunteer in several community organizations. She also coached futsol and youth soccer. She also worked as the cheif financial officer at The Fessenden School in Newton.

"It's a little scary, but I've heard it's an amazing experience," he said of the upcoming race. "But Dana-Farber has been so supportive in terms of training and guidance, group runs and help with fundraising. They are a very solid organization, and I just can't say enough good things about them."

The team will be running the race together live rather than participating in the virtual option.

Since he began training for the race, a friend of his developed breast cancer.

"Cancer is just all around us and it's awful," Sisson said. "So it feels good to be doing something worthwhile."

Sisson has incorporated his training into his travel schedule, using the opportunity to explore Philadelphia, Virginia, Vermont and the Poconos.

"It was great to run in all of these places," he said. "If I hadn't been training for a marathon, I probably wouldn't have ventured out into these locations. It's really opened things up for me, especially now that the pandemic is over - or we hope it will be over - to be able to travel."

While he has enjoyed always enjoyed running, Sisson said he had only done it "pretty sporadically." He did a half-marathon about six years ago.

"It's been nice to do it consistently," he added. "I really hope to keep it up - just maybe not as many miles."

Sisson has worked for the town for about six years in the economic development department. He helps the town determine how to shape new development and what buildings should be preserved.

"The history of Dedham is just fascinating in that it goes back to early industrial America as a mill town," he said. "And we've got a really thriving downtown with Dedham Square."

Dedham's neighborhoods also are experiencing growth. East Dedham has seen some development as well as a new park.

He noted that since the pandemic, the ability to have outdoor dining "has changed the face of Dedham Square."

"It really made people rethink how the downtown can be used," he continued . "If you're not storing automobiles in front of the stores, you can do other stuff."

Sisson is eagerly anticipating the race, saying that the training process has helped him to cope with his grief.

"It's all pretty personal," he added. "This is a way for me to just put my support into action."

At this point, Sisson said he wasn't going to commit to running next year, although he may consider it.

"I don't think anything will stop me - except for maybe one of my knees," he said with a laugh.