By Jessica Fisher

Elizabeth Schlatterer of Somerville, will be running this year’s Boston Marathon as part of the first ever Susan G. Komen New England Marathon Team.

It will be Schlatterer’s first Boston Marathon. She has run the Chicago Marathon six times before. She decided to run the marathon this year because she wanted to try a new challenge, both physically and mentally.

“I would equate my nervousness for this Boston Marathon back to my very first marathon, as this course is a good amount more challenging, and in the opposite season of the year that I have become familiar with,” said Schlatterer.

Schlatterer is excited to run the Boston Marathon in support of Susan G. Komen New England because it is a cause that is near and dear to her heart. “My mom had been screened for breast cancer for many years, luckily turning up benign each time. In 2001 we received the news that her most recent test came back positive for breast cancer, but we were very lucky that it was caught in the early stages and was not aggressive. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. This became a turning point in my twin sister’s and my life, where we would begin supporting breast cancer research as much as possible – from running 5k races, to participating in the 3-Day walk, and I have run three of my Chicago marathons for Team Bright Pink to continue to fundraise to find a cure,” said Schlatterer.

Next week, on Monday, April 17, Schlatterer will be one of four team members sporting Susan G. Komen New England bibs. According to Schlatterer, “I am very excited for my teammates to complete their first marathon! There is no feeling like finishing your first marathon – it makes you feel like you can conquer the world!”

All funds raised by the Komen New England Marathon team members will support thousands of local families through funding for critical breast care services and groundbreaking research.

“In my previous role as Executive Director of the One Fund Boston I was privileged to see first-hand how running the iconic Boston Marathon can bring healing and demonstrate resilience. Komen New England is thrilled to be a beneficiary of the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program. Our runners inspire us every day with their energy and dedication, and the funds they raise will help us make sure all our neighbors have access to the breast cancer care they need,” said Lori van Dam, CEO of Komen New England.

For more information on how to support the runners and Komen New England visit KomenNewEngland.org/events.