Ten years ago, I had a heart attack that changed the way I thought about life, health, and possibility. In the weeks that followed, I made a commitment: to rebuild my strength and complete all six of the world’s major marathons. I had run the New York Marathon twice more than 30 years earlier, but after my heart attack, running became something deeper—a celebration of being alive. 

Seven years ago, I moved from Atlanta to Boston and found not only a new home but a world-class medical team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital—including my cardiologist, who happens to be a fellow runner. Under their expert care, encouragement, and support, I’ve gone on to complete five marathons: Tokyo (2024), Chicago (2024), London (2025), Sydney (2025), and Berlin (2025). Each finish line was a victory I owe, in no small part, to the Brigham’s extraordinary team.

Running the Boston Marathon in 2026 will be the culmination of that journey—my Six Star Medal moment—and a chance to give back to the hospital that helped me reclaim my life. That’s why I’m proud to be running as part of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Stepping Strong Team, supporting the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. 

Standing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, Gillian Reny's life changed forever. A senseless act of violence left her with traumatic injuries, but the efforts of a multidisciplinary medical team at Brigham and Women's Hospital saved her life and legs. In gratitude, her family established The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at the Brigham, where today, Gillian's strength drives a relentless pursuit to transform how we prevent, treat, and recover from traumatic injury, the leading cause of death for people ages 44 and younger in the United States.The Stepping Strong Center unites healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members to revolutionize trauma care and rebuild lives. Here's how:

As I train for Boston, I’ll be running with immense gratitude—for my doctors, my wife and daughters, and every step I’ve been able to take since that day ten years ago. Thank you for helping me honor the Boston Strong spirit and the incredible care that defines Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Just as the Brigham’s physicians helped me rebuild my health, the Stepping Strong Center helps trauma patients rebuild their lives—fueling groundbreaking research, reimagining care, advancing education, and inspiring advocacy for survivors and their families.