DeeDee Longoria
I’m DeeDee Longoria, from Lake Barrington, Illinois. The legal name given to me 61 years ago is Denise, but my friends call me DeeDee and my grandkids call me DeeMa.
I just officially retired on January 27, after spending the last 25 years in sales as an Oncology Specialist with Novartis Oncology.
When researching Boston Marathon charities I was so moved and inspired by the mission of Herren Project. There is such a disparity of support for the disease of addiction. The more I learned about Herren Project, the more inspired I became to be a part of the vision to help people live their best lives, create awareness, educate for the prevention of substance abuse and fight the stigma of addiction. I am honored and thrilled to be chosen for Team Herren Project. Boston will be my Major Marathon Star #5.
For fun, I travel and enjoy challenging myself. I have been to all 7 continents and I’m constantly planning our next adventure. Since turning 50, I have summited Mount Kilimanjaro, trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp, hiked the Inca Trail, polar plunged in Antarctica and swam with whale sharks. On my 60th birthday I jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.
What I am most proud of, without question, is my family. I am married to a brilliant and supportive husband, Gary, who accompanies me on all my wild adventures. We spend our time between 2 homes, one in the Chicago Suburbs, and another in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico. We have 5 daughters, 2 precious grandchildren and a rescue dog named Lola. I run to be able to keep up with all of them.
I want to wish everyone good luck training, stay safe and healthy, and see everyone in Boston!
Donate to DeeDee’s 2023 Boston Marathon fundraising campaign.
