The Boston Marathon bombing profoundly impacted me because it struck at the heart of my community ? runners. For me, running has always been a place of peace, discipline, and renewal. It is where I find focus and strength. When that sense of safety was shattered, it felt deeply personal, as though something sacred to all runners had been violated. I think about that day every time I get to the start line.

While I felt the impact of that day, others lived it.

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:

• Fuel Research: They support clinical studies and collaborative projects that accelerate solutions and improve trauma patient outcomes 
• Reimagine Care: They embrace the latest research to redefine best practices and transform trauma care for survivors
• Advance Education: They train the next generation of trauma leaders and empower the public to respond to trauma 
• Inspire Advocacy: They champion trauma survivors and injury prevention by raising awareness, supporting policy initiatives, and improving public safety

By supporting me, you're helping turn tragedy into hope for civilian and military heroes who have suffered devastating traumatic injuries. As a solely philanthropically funded center, they depend on generous donations like yours to sustain life-changing programs and initiatives. 

Thank you for supporting me and continuing to honor the Boston Strong spirit that still defines the city today.