Finding Meaning in the Middle Miles: What Jena Lilly’s Marathon Taught Her About Endurance and Purpose

CBTN’s Jena Lilly (left) with Amanda Haddock, president of Dragon Master Initiative.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

This quote has long resonated with Jena Lilly, reflecting the quiet power she sees daily in her work and advocacy. And when Jena crossed the finish line of her first marathon in January, it wasn’t about proving anything. It wasn’t about beating a clock or making a statement to someone. It was personal—and purposeful.

As Executive Director of Research Operations and Strategic Planning at CHOP’s Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine (D³b) and Executive Director of the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), Jena’s commitment to supporting pediatric cancer research has always been reflected in her work. But in recent years, she discovered an even deeper way to connect with that mission: through running.

Jena began running in her middle years, not to be an athlete looking for accolades, but as someone searching for something meaningful to engage with on a personal level. She didn’t grow up as a runner — but as the years went by, running became her very personal way of giving back to the kids and families she serves.

"Running has become my way to give back — not through a title or a grant proposal, but through my own two feet,” she shared. “It’s for me, absolutely. But it’s also for the kids and families we work for. Every mile is a reminder that this work takes endurance, and none of us are in it alone.”

The Middle Miles

Before January, Jena often used a powerful metaphor to inspire herself and her colleagues. She would say, “This is just mile 8.” At that point in a half marathon, fatigue and doubt set in, yet there’s still a long way to go. For Jena, this phrase became a symbol of perseverance through tough stretches—in running, work, and life.

Now, after completing the full 26.2 miles of a marathon, Jena’s perspective has grown even broader. “After completing it [the marathon], I realized how much further we can go when we stay focused on the goal. The marathon is like a reflection of the work we do. Progress takes time, it can hurt, but it’s always worth it,” she said.

The metaphor evolved. Now, during difficult periods—whether in training or navigating the challenges of research—that mindset reminds her and her colleagues that it’s okay to feel tired, acknowledge the distance left, and choose to keep going anyway. It’s not glamorous. It’s rarely easy. But it’s forward. And as Jena emphasized, it’s worth it.

In many ways, Jena’s marathon symbolizes the ongoing work of CBTN: achieving meaningful, collective progress for children who need it most. Running isn’t merely about crossing a finish line; it’s about showing up, mile after mile, even when the distance feels insurmountable.

After the race, she felt it all deeply: the ache, the freedom, and the clarity. It was the quiet triumph of doing something solely for herself, yet something that also profoundly reflected her values.

Throughout her journey, Jena’s miles have always been shared. As a member of Team Fired Up—the Dragon Master Initiative’s running team dedicated to curing childhood brain cancer—Jena ran alongside fellow advocates and families impacted by these pediatric brain tumors. This community of runners, united by purpose, provided both camaraderie and inspiration. Jena drew immense strength from their resilience and courage, and in turn, her dedication reinforced their hope. By wearing "kid cards" bearing names and faces of children battling brain tumors, she carried their stories forward, mile after mile. This mutual inspiration underscores the very heart of the CBTN mission: collaboration. It’s a powerful reminder that no one runs—or works—alone, and that meaningful progress in pediatric cancer research truly happens when we move together.

Her story reminds us that giving back doesn’t have to be complicated or grand. It can be as simple as aligning what we already love with something bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s running, painting, mentoring, or consistently showing up in small ways, everyone has something to give. And when we bring our individual passions together, we move forward.

One stride at a time.