Mary and Dick following a half marathon race last year.

SHREWSBURY, Mass. – Shrewsbury father-daughter running team, Dick and Mary Miller, will "Run for Cover" in this year's Boston Marathon to support the Melanoma Foundation of New England.

Both Dick and Mary are lifelong runners, with Dick about to compete in his 17th marathon and his daughter her first. Both will be running the Boston Marathon next month on the "Run for Cover" consisting of about 30 members, mostly from New England, and honorary captain and famous marathoner Bill Rodgers.

Dick said he decided he wanted to run for this cause in honor of his brother, who he lost to the disease 11 years ago from Melanoma.

He recalled that his brother's disease started with a small growth on the back of his leg. After the dermatologist cut it off and identified it as Melanoma, the disease had already spread to the lymphnodes.

"A year later it had spread to his spine," Dick said, noting that it was a short time later that his brother succumbed to the disease. "The doctors said if they had caught it early he may not have died."

The Melanoma Foundation has a mission to communicate the dangers of the sun and melanoma and encourage screening for early detection to eliminate this deadly disease.

"We feel that if just by doing it we can encourage people to think about it and get screened it will be worth it," Dick said. "If you catch it early, it's not deadly."

After his brother died, Dick said the entire family goes regularly for Melanoma screenings since genetics are a factor.

Mary, now a sophomore at Boston University, said she has always tried to encourage her friends not to tan and to be aware of the dangers of Melanoma.

"I wanted to run a marathon and do it for a cause," Mary said. "I remember when my uncle got sick and while I wasn't always aware of everything that was happening, I remember what we went through and how hard it was for our family."

Mary began running races at about age four, following in her father's footsteps who began seriously running after college. The Miller family used to take trips around the country as Dick competed in marathons.

"I grew up with him running," Mary said. "I started with little things when I was younger then started doing races in high school. I did my first half marathon last year. I really liked the challenge and the payoff at the end."

Dick said he now enjoys not only running for a particular cause, but one so close to his family's heart.

"It gives you more motivation, that you are using your running's to help," Dick said. "It gives you motivation to keep training and to push yourself when you're tired near the end of the race."

Both the father and daughter are excited to be running the marathon together as well.

"I wanted to have the whole experience with him," Mary said. "I knew if I tried I could do it, but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him. He's my coach."

"It's like a dream to run with your children," Dick said. "To be with her when she finishes her first...these are memories we'll always have."

The pair are looking to raise $8,000 to donate to the Melanoma Foundation before the race. Those interested in donating to Team Miller can do so here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/team_miller/RunningforCover_Boston_2012