While the Los Angeles Dodgers were spending the past few months preparing for the 2016 season, A.J. Ellis’ wife Cindy was training for the 2016 Boston Marathon. The 26.2-mile distance presents both mental and physical challenges, though Cindy was running for a much larger purpose.
Announced prior to the race on A.J.’s Twitter account, the family matched donations up to $26,200 to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research. More specifically, Cindy was running in support of Rhyan Loos, who is in a battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma.
Loos is the granddaughter of Austin Peay State University basketball head coach Dave Loos; A.J. and Cindy both attended Austin Peay State University.
Given that the Dodgers played the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night with in a 5 p.m. nationally televised game, A.J. wasn’t able to join his family in Boston until early Monday morning after taking a red-eye flight.
Ellis showed his respect to the participants in the Boston Marathon, while also sneaking in some of his usual quick-wit on Twitter:
#BostonMarathon #Athletes #Respect #MyKneesHurtJustWatching pic.twitter.com/lIFJZJNHoT
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) April 18, 2016
Cindy ran the marathon in just over three-and-a-half hours, and was referred to as the best athlete in the family:
So proud of @Cindyluellis Best athlete in the family. 3:39.42 #BostonMarathon #RallyforRhyan pic.twitter.com/IycoNd0osv
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) April 18, 2016
Rhyan’s father and Missouri men’s basketball head coach Brad Loos showed his gratitude for the money raised:
@Cindyluellis is officially a bad ass for owning the Boston Marathon and raising over $54,000 for pediatric cancer research! #notabadday
— Brad Loos (@CoachBLoos) April 18, 2016
After seeing the news, Cindy thanked those who donated in Rhyan’s honor:
Best news of the day! Thanks so much to everyone who donated! I'm in awe of the support we have received https://t.co/p2UpqHS4px
— Cindy Ellis (@Cindyluellis) April 18, 2016
Donations can still be made in support of Rhyan Loos here.
