BOSTON -- Training for the Boston Marathon is a difficult challenge, but it's nothing compared to fighting cancer.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh profiled two local women Wednesday, who are determined to run 26 miles for the men they love.

Newlyweds Sara and Kevin McCabe are grateful to be celebrating their first Valentine's Day together as husband and wife.

"They told us there would be challenges in marriage, but we didn't think we would have to face something this stressful right away," Kevin McCabe said.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer weeks after getting engaged.

"I was really scared," Sara McCabe said.

"At that point, they decided the best option because of my young age was to have surgery and have the prostate removed, and that was the best treatment," Kevin McCabe said.

Erik Nolan was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma the same year. His girlfriend, Megan, who he met in law school, has supported him through it all.

"The law school thing has been tough, but it's nice with someone who can sympathize with you," Nolan said.

Sara Law-McCabe and Megan share more in common than just cancer. They will run the Boston Marathon this April in honor of the men they love. They're like hundreds of people who will run on behalf of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to raise money for research.

While they admit training is grueling, it's a challenge that pales in comparison to what their loved ones are battling.

"And I thought that if I could do it for a cause, it would be that much better, and once Kevin got sick it just seemed like the right thing to do, and it's my way to give back and raise money," Sara Law-McCabe said.

"But if there's anything I could do, if there's any reason to run a marathon, it's in honor of Erik and for Dana Farber. I can't think of a better reason to."