Grandmother hopes to raise money in Boston

BOSTON, April 20 (UPI) -- Linda Quirk, a 55-year-old grandmother, is trying to compete in seven marathons on seven continents, beginning with the Boston Marathon.

Quirk wants to help raise $1 million for the non-profit Caron drug and alcohol treatment centers across the country and help her stepdaughter recover from a methamphetamine addiction.

"I have a long journey ahead of me," Quirk said in a news release as she prepared for Monday's Boston Marathon. "But I'm hoping my story encourages people to visit Run7on7.com to learn more about helping families in need get the treatment they deserve. I also hope it inspires all generations to seek out the joys or running."

Caron has raised $8 million this year for scholarships.

Quirk, a trained runner, also has competed in marathons and triathlons in places like Big Sur (Calif.), Alaska and Berlin.

She goes to China, Kenya, Iceland, Antarctica and Australia later this year.

Former Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong also is an entrant in Monday's race.