What inspires me to run for the Stepping Strong Center is its incredible story of resilience, recovery, and hope. As a Brigham nurse, I've seen how trauma can change someone's life in an instant - and how the right care, innovation, and support can help them rebuild it. I remember watching the 2013 race with heartbreak and later learning about Gillian Reny and the creation of the Stepping Strong Center; an organization that transforms pain into purpose and tragedy into transformation. The best decision I've made was moving to Boston in 2022, and with that came the excitement of volunteering at the Boston Marathon. Volunteering at the 128th and 129th Boston Marathons was an unforgettable experience. The strength of the runners and the passion of the Boston crowd created an atmosphere so electric and inspiring - its what truly makes this race so special. This year, I'm motivated to run not just for myself, but for every survivor, patient, and family who defines what it truly means to be Boston Strong. I love this city and I'm so excited to run for a cause that embodies everything Boston stands for. 

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

When you support a member of the Stepping Strong Boston Marathon Team, you're helping us turn tragedy into hope for civilian and military heroes who have suffered devestating traumatic injuries. As a solely philanthropically funded center, we depend on generous donations like yours to sustain our life-changing programs and iniatives. 

Thank you for supporting this extraordinary group of runners and continuing to honor the Boston Strong spirit that still defines our city today. Learn more about the Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at the Brigham: www.bwhsteppingstrong.org Qualified runners are encouraged to join our team as well.