A Santa Monica woman who lost her dad to cancer says she will stop at nothing to raise money for research -- so other families won't have to endure what she's endured.
Julie Weiss is on a mission to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks.
"My body's getting used to this. I'm changing my diet, becoming more healthy and learning to run more efficiently," Weiss said.
Her father died of pancreatic cancer in 2010, just one week before the biggest moment in Weiss' running career: qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
Weiss is part of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's TEAMHOPE.
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and one of the least funded for research, according to TEAMHOPE.
"My goal is a million dollars," Weiss said.
Her website, marathongoddess.com, has already raised more than $100,000 towards that goal.
"When people tell me I'm crazy or nuts, it means I'm on the right track and doing something good."
With nine of the 52 marathons behind her, Weiss' next race is in Duluth, Minn., on Saturday.
Her final race will be a hometown favorite: the LA Marathon in March 2013.
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