Hi Everyone! I'm so excited to be running the 130th Boston Marathon this April as part of the Stepping Strong Team for Trauma Innovation.

After surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, Gillian Reny and her family established the Stepping Strong Foundation in gratitude to the doctors at Brigham and Women's Hospital who saved her life. The foundation is dedicated to transforming trauma care by funding groundbreaking research, supporting survivors, and giving patients the chance to turn tragedy into hope, strength and healing. 

In April 2006, my grandmother, "Yaya," suffered a traumatic brain injury in a tragic accident. She was in a coma for weeks under the care of MGH's Neurology ICU team, before miraculously waking up. Yaya spent the following years in Boston's world-class hospitals and rehabilitation centers, relearning how to live. Her recovery journey was a true testament to strength and resilience. I saw the determination of patients and families navigating trauma, and the unwavering dedication of the medical teams who supported them. Though Yaya's injury was life-changing, the care she received gave us seven precious extra years with her. 

Two years after Yaya passed, in 2015, I experienced my own trauma in a severe rollover car accident. I was extracted from my sunroof by jaws of life and transported to MAH. Physically, I was incredibly fortunate, (by the grace of God, and perhaps my guardian angel whose favorite color was yellow). However, the emotional impact has been significant and lasting. Over the years I've learned to navigate PTSD, and the invisible struggles that trauma can leave behind. This has taught me to find strength in vulnerability, and reminded me that trauma takes many forms, and a plethora of support and resources.

I'm running the Boston Marathon in dedication to my Yaya, who loved her big Irish family, coffee with cream, and the color yellow. She taught us to be grateful for each day, and I'm so proud to run in her memory while supporting a cause that helps trauma patients and families around the world!

Your gift to Stepping Strong today can save lives tomorrow. Thank you for your support, from the bottom of my heart.

My first 26.2 - let's do this! 

XO, Emily

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Traumatic Injury is the leading cause of death for people ages 44 and younger in the United States - but less than 2% of federal funding is allocated to trauma research.

How Stepping Strong is Making a Difference for Trauma Survivors:

• $33M Raised to Fuel Trauma Innovation
• 150  Patients Supported through Advanced Rehabilitation
• 73 Research Teams Funded with Seed Grants for Clinical Care
• 42 Innovator Awards Funded for Trauma Innovation
• 14 Breakthrough Awards Funded for Trauma Innovation

Recently Funded Advancements for TBI by Stepping Strong:

• Funded "Poly-N-Acetyl-Glucosamine Antibody to Prevent Neurodegeneration After Mild TBI" (2024), exploring ways to stop long-term brain damage
• Funded "Novel Immune Therapy to Promote Neurological Recovery After TBI" (2023), advancing treatments to reduce brain inflammation and improve recovery
• Funded a Breakthrough Award Project Testing Nasal Spray Therapies for TBI, aiming to restore function and improve outcomes for survivors

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