Running with Purpose: The Heart Behind Team Members Participation in Miles for Moffitt

Allison Laudano participated in last year’s Miles for Moffitt event with her family by her side.  

What’s your ‘why’, is a common question you hear people get asked about their job. Allison Laudano, a compensation analyst who has worked at Moffitt Cancer Center for over 20 years, will quickly tell you that her ‘why’ is because of the cancer center’s patients.

In 2006, she quickly jumped on board to volunteer at the first Miles for Moffitt event.  

“I had been working at Moffitt for two years at the time when Miles for Moffitt first started,” Laudano said. “The event was much smaller than it is now. It took place at the cancer center in front of the Magnolia campus at the time.”  

Since then, she has participated in several Miles for Moffitt events, seeing it grow year after year. Last year, the event had a record-breaking number of more than 10,700 participants and raised more than $1.2 million, contributing to cancer research.  

“Seeing the patients and survivors at the event as a team member of Moffitt reminds us why we are here,” Laudano said.  

Personal Connection

Laudano has a personal connection to Moffitt’s patients. She is also one of them. After being diagnosed with breast cancer last year, Laudano underwent a double mastectomy procedure followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  

Last year, Miles for Moffitt was different for her, she was no longer there as a volunteer. She was now walking, but as a patient with her family by her side, four days before her final chemotherapy treatment. This year, she will be walking the event as a cancer survivor.  

“It’s such an emotional event,” she said. “It’s so heartwarming to see everyone come together and show support.”  

Working Toward a Cure

Growing up, Maranda Weathers and her father always shared a special bond.Maranda Weathers, a clinical research budget negotiator who joined Moffitt earlier this year, also carries her own ‘why’ each time she clocks into work. Her team works within clinical research, bringing trials to Moffitt faster, hoping to improve treatment options for those battling cancer, like her father did.  

After being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition triggered by damage to the airways, her dad received emergency tracheostomy surgery. Scans taken at the time showed a large throat lump, which was later diagnosed as stage 3 throat cancer.  

“We explored our options for initial consultation with specialists in the area, but our referral and high recommendations led us to see a physician at Moffitt,” Weathers said. “I am forever thankful that we made the journey to Moffitt.”  

In 2021, her father underwent a lengthy surgery that Weathers credits for giving her father two and a half additional years of life.  

“My purpose now is not only to carry on my dad’s legacy but to continue to fight the good fight each day for those affected by cancer, especially those in rural communities,” Weathers said.  

Uniting for a Common Goal

The 20^th  annual Miles for Moffitt, presented by Autonation, will be Weathers’ first time participating in the event. She is on a team called Revenue Cycle Rockstars, dedicated to revenue cycle team members and their friends and family. Weathers will be running in honor of her dad.  

Each team member like Weathers and Laudano may have their own unique “why” when it comes to their career, but on event day, everyone shares a common goal: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.  

This year, Miles for Moffitt will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Benchmark International Arena in downtown Tampa. Whether you’re lacing up for the 10K, 5K, 1K Fun Run, the brand new 15K Challenge or cheering from the sidelines, the event has a place for everyone. Virtual participation is also welcome from any location.