Natick runner honors uncle, supports addiction recovery

Keilei McReynolds, a runner from Natick, is preparing to run the Boston Marathon this year for a special reason. She wants to honor the memory of her uncle and others who have struggled with addiction. The purple flags along the route represent lives lost to opioid addiction, and they hold deep meaning for her. Growing up, McReynolds watched the Boston Marathon from the sidelines. It was a family tradition filled with excitement. In 2018, she ran the marathon for the Dana Farber Cancer Center while her uncle was battling cancer. The experience was emotional as he was there to cheer her on, even in the pouring rain. Unfortunately, her uncle passed away in 2020 after a long fight with cancer. McReynolds decided to run again, this time for a cause that resonated with her uncle’s passion. He had been sober for 30 years and actively helped others in their recovery. This year, she will run for SOAR, a Natick-based nonprofit that offers support and education about addiction recovery. They also place purple flags in downtown Natick to remember those lost to addiction. McReynolds hopes to raise awareness and honor her uncle while supporting this important cause.