Running for Dreams
Running for Dreams exists to help people affected by cancer find hope, healing and purpose – whether they are learning to live with loss or fighting to reclaim their own lives.
Meet Phil de Gruy
Through an incredible journey from surgery and chemotherapy to endurance training and ultramarathons, Phil found a lifestyle change and a new purpose. After defeating cancer two times and realizing how blessed his family was, he decided there weren’t enough resources to help the kids who have lost a parent to cancer. Running for Dreams is here to change that.
Upcoming Events
Run for a Reason | Ultra-Trail Harricana
September 11, 2026 – September 13, 2026
Back for Another Challenge
Returning Running for Dreams Ambassador Nicky Sciambra is taking on the Ultra-Trail Harricana in Canada! Nicky will once again put his miles behind our mission, taking on an incredible endurance challenge while raising awareness and support for children who have lost a parent to cancer.
Check out Nicky’s fundraising page here and keep up with his progress!
Stage IV to 140.6 | River Roux Olympic Triathlon
October 10, 2026
The Road to IRONMAN Texas Continues
Phil takes the next step toward IRONMAN Texas at the River Roux Olympic Triathlon in New Roads, Louisiana. With another chance to build endurance and gain race experience across the swim, bike and run, River Roux is the next milestone on his journey to the starting line in Texas.
Stage IV to 140.6 x Run for a Reason | New Orleans Ultramarathon
October 24, 2026
One Race. One Team. One Mission.
The New Orleans Ultra brings together two Running for Dreams journeys. Phil continues his road to IRONMAN Texas alongside RFD Ambassadors Madeline Carter, Katie Payne and Maria Cortes, who are taking on the 50K as part of our Run for a Reason program. Together, they’ll take on the miles in support of children who have lost a parent to cancer.
Check out the fundraising page here and keep up with the team’s progress!
Latest posts
Hard Runs in High Places: A Runner’s Journey West
Written by Samuel Hunter, 2024Samuel is Running for Dreams’ newest Ambassador, and is running the Louisiana Marathon in January 2025 to raise money for the cause. He took a trip this past summer and we asked him beforehand to write about his experience. This is his story. Let me begin by saying that I do…
Cheer On!
“Just over two years ago my husband Brock was diagnosed with Stage II Pancreatic Cancer. We had such hope at that point, being only Stage II it should be fine!” That’s how Bridgette started her story. I get it, you sit down and have The Talk, “We found a mass…” and you start making the…
