The mission of the Brigham Stepping Strong Team deeply resonates with me on both a personal and emotional level. In high school, one of my classmates was a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. He was injured while watching the race as a spectator and spent months in a wheelchair during his recovery. Witnessing his strength, determination, and resilience left a lasting impression on me. It showed me not only how profoundly a traumatic injury can alter someone's life, but also how critical medical innovation, rehabilitation, and community support are in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

As someone who has trained and competed in freestyle skiing, I've seen and personally experienced the impact of traumatic injuries. The demanding nature of the sport has taught me how quickly lives can change, and it has given me deep respect for the courage it takes to recover and return stronger. Running a marathon is undoubtedly a challenge, but it pales in comparison to the physical and emotional recovery that survivors of trauma, like my classmate, have faced. Their perseverance inspires me to run with purpose and gratitude.

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