Van Andel Institute
Mackenzie Grzybek
Hi my name is Mackenzie. This fall on September 24th, 2023 I will be racing in the Berlin Marathon with the VAI Marathon Team. The Van Andel Institute started with a vision to improve human health and enhance the lives of current and future generations through innovative biomedical research and discoveries for Cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other related diseases. As an individual who has lost family members to cancer and related diseases, this cause is near to my heart. The 2023 Berlin Marathon will be in honor for all those who can't and for my grandfather, Bernie Grzybek, who recently passed away in May 2023. In my final time speaking to him, all he wanted to know was when my next race would be and that I would promise to "RUN GOOD!". I am going to honor that promise for him on September 24th. Furthermore, my best friend's mother has recently been diagnosed and is battling with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. We will both be running together in Berlin in honor of her. As a Grand Rapids native, it means so much to have the opportunity to partner with Van Andel Institute which began in my home city in 1996. Your consideration in donating to this cause means very much to me, all of the researchers at the VAI, and the families & future generations whose lives could be changed.
