In 2013, Boston was changed forever when a beautiful Marathon Monday turned into a senseless tragedy. Gillian Reny, then a high school senior, was one of 39 critically injured patients rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where doctors and nurses saved her life and legs. With gratitude to the Brigham, the Reny family established The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation to help other trauma patients regain their strength and ability to step strong once again.

As an advocate for the Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation, I am committed to raising      $ 9100 to support their crucial initiatives. As a marathon runner I want to raise funds for something that I am passionate about through my daily work as a trauma specialist working within Northern Ireland. This has involved working with those affected by the Troubles conflict. Doing the Boston marathon will be my final race of the 6 Abbott Marathon Majors series which started for me in 2018 in Berlin, then London, Chicago, New York and then Tokyo.

Stepping Strong-funded initiatives are making a profound impact on trauma survivors and their families worldwide. The center has raised more than $30 million to fuel trauma research, advance education, build community, and inspire advocacy. But much more needs to be done.

Trauma is a neglected global epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control:

• Trauma is the number one cause of death for people 44 or younger, ahead of cancer and heart disease.
• Traumatic injuries comprise 40% of visits to emergency departments.
• More than $2 trillion per year is spent on decreased productivity, work loss, and medical costs due to traumatic injuries

The impact of trauma is profound, affecting countless individuals and families in our community. With your generous contribution, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Your support will directly fund essential research, care, and resources, providing hope and healing to those in need. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Thank you for considering joining me in this important cause.

 Learn more about the Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at the Brigham: www.bwhsteppingstrong.org

Brigham and Women's Hospital is a proud partner of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.