Dear Friends,

This year on April 20th, I will run my 5th Boston Marathon and add even more meaning to my miles by fundraising to support The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. I’d love to share why this cause means so much to me.

On April 15, 2013, I wasn’t training for Boston. I was on a treadmill at YMCA in Walla Walla, Washington, recovering from breast cancer and trying to mend a psychological safety net after a health scare event.  When I looked up at the television and saw the bombing at the finish line, I was stunned. I had never even heard of the Boston Marathon before that day, but something shifted in me.  

Witnessing the bombing survivors fighting to recover from the traumatic injuries awakened something deeper. Their resilience and the Boston style  outpouring community lovingkindness made me want to run not away from tragedy, but toward hope. 

Being a good cheer, running together, and uplifting our community for greater cause are the exact reasons I fundraising for the Stepping Strong Center in Boston.  This remarkable program fuels innovation in trauma care and recovery, helping patients around the world regain strength, mobility, and confidence after life-altering injuries. Every dollar raised brings traumatically injured patients closer to recovery.  

I hope you’ll consider supporting me with a tax-deductible gift. Every bit helps, whether it’s $10, $20, $50, or more. Your generosity will bring us one step closer to healing. To support my run, click on https://events.brighamandwomens.org/site/TR/Events/BostonMarathonRebrand?pg=personal&px=1169464&fr_id=1500.”

Thank you for being my cheering partners, I’m truly grateful for your support and belief in this mission.  Sarah 

·  When you support a SSMT runner, you are turning tragedy into hope for patients worldwide who have suffered devastating traumatic injuries. Learn more about the Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation: https://steppingstrong.bwh.harvard.edu