Find Out Why Derry Member Barb Lefko Ran Her 10th Marathon for a Friend

On October 27, I did not attend Sunday services at Derry as usual — something that always centers me for the week ahead. Instead, I ran 26.2 miles through the streets of Arlington, VA and Washington DC to complete the Marine Corps Marathon and honor a promise I made to an amazing man, Mike Thompson. Mike taught me to love running – not an easy feat (no pun intended) since I spent the first 40 years of my life as a couch potato. I met him through a program called Team in Training, a fundraising arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where participants raise money in exchange for the training and support needed to do an endurance event, such as a marathon. Mike was my coach, then my friend.

And he was so much more, to so many more. 

Mike coached me through my first marathon in 2002, and a few more over the past 20 years. Meanwhile he kept running his own. When he was approaching #50 and I was approaching #10, we made a “gentleman’s agreement” to run them together. God had other plans: Mike died on April 26, 2020. But, for me, a promise is a promise, so the singlet I wore to run the marathon on 10-27-24 proclaiming “This One’s For Mike” got him #50. 

It also jump-started the fundraising for a scholarship that my husband, John, and I have established to honor Mike’s legacy. Running a marathon is not easy. Yet when you do it for someone or something you believe in, there is no doubt you will finish. So, two of my friends, and Mike’s running converts, ran “This One’s for Mike” together. And, other runners have been donating to the scholarship in honor and memory of the lessons they have learned from Mike. 

Mike was passionate about everything he did in life, not just running. He was a guidance counselor at Middletown Area High School where he was a staunch advocate for all students. He believed every boy and girl should have the opportunity for a meaningful and purposeful life. He worked every moment to make that happen. He developed career pathways – programs that begin in grade school to get kids thinking about how they want to spend their life. That interest transitions into a functional education through middle and high school, preparing them for a work life they will love. Those career pathways are now state mandated for every high school in Pennsylvania, thanks to Mike rolling them out to guidance counselors statewide.

We hope that The Michael D. Thompson Scholarship will honor his passion for years to come.

Helping others succeed in whatever they do in life was what Mike did. Compassion and love for anyone in need drove him. Spreading God’s love and practicing God’s justice was fundamental to Mike. This legacy scholarship can make sure that continues.