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Coon is running the Boston Marathon in April to raise money for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, which treated her father when he was diagnosed with ocular melanoma 12 years ago.
"He's still happy and healthy," Coon said. "I figured it was a great cause."
Running a marathon has always been on Coon's bucket list, and she runs three days a week and takes a cardio and spin class on another day.
On weekends, she goes out for long runs with her team, running on the marathon course in Boston.
"The snow has made things a little more difficult," Coon, who played lacrosse at Briarcliff, said.
Coon said she is most excited to see her parents and friends at the finish line. The marathon is 18 miles downhill and then eight miles uphill, finishing with the infamous Heartbreak Hill.
"Once I get to the top of Heartbreak, I'll be good to go at the finish," Coon said. "Getting to the top of the hill is going to be nerve-wracking. I'm very excited, hopefully I'm not too excited that I start too fast. The adrenaline is going to be pumping."
Coon has already raised $10,329 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, more than her goal of $10,000. Most of the donations have come from Briarcliff residents.
"They do some pretty cutting-edge research," Coon said. "They saved my dad's life."
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has helped restore vision in people and also works with neurological repair and helping people with their hearing. Coon said she is happy to still have her dad with her.
"It was tough when he was sick," Coon said. "It's awesome to see him doing so well. He can't see out of his right eye, but he's happy and healthy, which is a small price to pay. I couldn't be more thankful."
For more information on Coon's fundraiser, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/teameyeandear/fundraiser/taylorcoon
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