Allyson Cook Metell is running the Philadelphia Marathon in Honor of Lexi Briggs.

Lexi Briggs, born and raised on Cape Cod, is a sweet, vibrant little girl and loving big sister to brothers Evan and Alex. In June 2012 she woke up with severe stomach pain and by the end of the day she was at Boston Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, Wilms Tumor. Wilms occurs when certain cells in one or both kidneys multiply uncontrollably, growing into a malignant, or cancerous mass. Only about 500 cases of Wilms Tumor are diagnosed each year in the United States-Lexi was diagnosed at Stage 3. The good news is that, in most cases, this cancer is highly responsive to treatment and essentially curable. Unfortunately, the treatment is very expensive, requires extensive time away from home and missed work by Lexi’s parents, who are both self-employed Cape Codders.

Allyson went to massage therapy school 12 years ago with Lexi's mom, Nicole, and they have remained close friends ever since. When Allyson learned of Lexi's diagnosis and battle ahead, she decided she wanted to find a way to support the Briggs family and help find a cure!

Running through Team Lemon, Allyson hopes to raise awareness for childhood cancer, and the money needed to help find a cure! For more info on Lexi's progress please visit http://luv4lexi.wordpress.com/ or Luv4Lexi on Facebook.