7 preguntas con el n.º 7: sesión de preguntas y respuestas antes de la carrera con Boomer Esiason
Before nearly 5,000 runners took part in the Boomer's Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe 4M Brought to You by UnitedHealthcare, The Run On staff put together a list of questions for Boomer Esiason, the former NFL quarterback and current TV and radio host who helped launch the race in 2011.
Esiason's son, Gunnar, lives with cystic fibrosis, and the family has worked to support efforts to find a cure for CF through the Boomer Esiason Foundation and events like the Run to Breathe.
Here's our list of 7 questions with the man who wore jersey #7 for the Cincinnati Bengals, the Arizona Cardinals, and of course, our hometown New York Jets.
1. You’ve competed in the race a number of times. What's been your favorite race-day memory?
There are so many memories from this race, I don’t even know where to start. The year Gunnar ran was really special—his health had been on a downswing during his college years, so watching him cross the finish was an emotional moment. And then, of course, when our CF Ambassador, Jerry Cahill, crossed the finish only three months after his double lung transplant; it was really an inspiring thing to see.
2. The race is a longtime staple on the NYRR calendar. What does the event mean to you?
When we started this race nine years ago, we just wanted to get people out and running—and really spread the mission of Team Boomer, which is to encourage people living with cystic fibrosis to get up, get out, and get active. Today, knowing that we sell out in record time, that we have over SIX teams running for their loved ones with CF, it’s surreal to see everyone come out and to meet all of these incredible people who are a part of the CF community.
3. How has exercise and fitness helped your son Gunnar live with cystic fibrosis?
Exercise is huge for Gunnar. He plays hockey all the time and works lifting and running into his gym regimen. All of these things, combined with his medications and treatments, boost his morale and overall quality of life.
Esiason with his son, Gunnar, and two Team Boomer runners
4. What is something you want the world to know about cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a battle; it’s a daily fight to stay alive. One missed treatment, a missed workout…these things can take years off of patients’ lives. It’s an "invisible disease," but one that is extremely serious and takes commitment to survive.
5. How have you seen prognoses for cystic fibrosis patients improve and evolve since you started the Run to Breathe in 2011?
We have seen a ton of incredible treatments come down the pipeline, but people—kids and adults—are still dying every day. Gunnar just lost one of his closest friends, Lea Faraone, to CF complications; she was 28. We have to continue to raise money and spread awareness to stop things like this from happening. As a community, we have to keep pushing for a cure and provide as much support as possible.
6. Runners relish the post-race meal. As a player, what was your go-to post-game meal?
After a game, my wife Cheryl and I would go to a restaurant in Cincinnati called The Precinct, and I always got a strip steak and fettuccine Alfredo.
7. What is more stressful: Preparing for a live broadcast or preparing for a game as a player?
Both jobs kept and continue to keep me on my toes!
Esiason holding the finish-line tape for the Boomer's Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe 4M Brought to You by UnitedHealthcare
Find official results from the 2019 Boomer's Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe 4M Brought to You by UnitedHealthcare on our results page.