They come from different backgrounds. Some are researchers. Some are students. Some work in public health. One is just beginning high school. Yet they are united by a common belief: scientific discovery has the power to improve lives.
Together, they represent the community behind MI4.
For Jackie Alford, a graduate student in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill, running the half marathon is an opportunity to challenge herself while supporting a cause closely connected to her work. She studies how inflammation affects immune cell development and sees firsthand how research begins with asking important questions.
Future physician Lyne shares a similar passion. A third-year medical student with a strong interest in pediatrics, she understands the profound impact infectious diseases can have on children and families. Running allows her to combine her love of physical activity with her commitment to advancing research that can improve health outcomes for future generations.
The team also includes established leaders in science. Samantha Gruenheid, Chair of McGill's Department of Microbiology and Immunology, is taking on the 5K to support the discoveries that emerge from interdisciplinary research. As someone who sees the impact of MI4's work firsthand, she knows how essential research funding is to advance knowledge and preparing for future health challenges.
For Stephanie Laroche-Pierre, who works in McGill's Department of Global and Public Health, the cause reflects a broader commitment to protecting communities. She points to the continuing threats posed by infectious diseases and the importance of research that spans prevention, diagnostics, surveillance, and treatment.
Others are motivated by a personal connection to science itself. Tuana Mesquita, who has spent her career working alongside researchers, understands the challenges scientists face in securing funding. By running the half marathon, she hopes to help researchers answer important questions while doing something she loves. Her journey into running began more than a decade ago while caring for her newborn daughter and gradually evolved into a passion that eventually led her to her first race in 2019.
Perhaps the most heartwarming story belongs to Elisa Torres and her son, Jeremy Elvir. Together, they will run the 5K as a mother-son team. Jeremy, who began high school this fall, was inspired to join by his mother. Elisa, meanwhile, was inspired by the dedicated researchers whose work is helping tackle major infectious and immune-related threats to human health. Together, they remind us that supporting research is also about investing in future generations.
Their stories are different, but their goal is the same.
Every kilometer completed, every donation received, every step forward.
Together, Team Fast & Curious is helping fuel the discoveries that improve, protect, and save lives.
This October, they'll run for themselves, for their communities, and for the future of infection and immunity research.
