Growing up right outside of Boston in Newton, the Boston Marathon has always been a part of my life. That continued as an adult with my own family watching at the mile 10 marker at my in-law’s house in Natick center. Year after year, I stood on the sidelines cheering with awe and admiration for the runners, inspired by their strength, resilience, and determination. I knew one year it would be my turn to cross that iconic finish line. Now, that dream is becoming a reality and I couldn’t be prouder to be running my very first marathon for Brigham and Women’s Hospital in support of the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Foundation.

In 2002 I became a nurse at Brigham and Women’s hospital as a new grad and I have never left.  I spent most of my career in the cardiothoracic ICU before becoming a nurse practitioner in 2020. I currently work as the heart transplant NP.  Call it the “golden handcuffs” but the Brigham has been my second home for the past 23 years. I’ve been there before EMAR or Epic existed when we charted on paper and wrote scripts on pads.  I’ve trained several new nurses along the way and watched the ones that paved the way for me retire. I’ve had a first-hand seat to all my patients triumphs whether big or small and had the honor to ease several people’s pain as they took their last breath. I was there for the RI fires, the murder of my beloved college Michael Davidson, the marathon bombings and the Covid pandemic. I am proud to be a Brigham nurse. I am Brigham Strong.

Why run? Why now? I hadn’t even run a mile until 2020. In the height of the Covid pandemic, while juggling NP school and trying to home school two young children, my daughter Olivia was diagnosed with Autism and a rare genetic disorder Rubenstein-Taybi EP300. I was treading water in life and was struggling with my mental health. I didn’t know where to turn so I turned to fitness. It became my therapy. I learned to leave it all on the tread, the road or the weight floor. It is the time I dedicate to myself to be the best mother I can be for my family. 5:30 am wake ups have become routine and something I look forward to. I started small with the Falmouth Road Race in 2021 and ran my first half marathon later that year.  I realized nothing is better than pounding the pavement just me and the road. Sometimes you’ll find my shedding pent up tears but more likely yelling my favorite song as the runner’s high hits. I turned 45 this year, in the best shape of my life, ready to conquer Boston.

I dedicate this run to every mother that works full time while juggling the mental load of motherhood. I dedicate this run to ever coworker I worked alongside, every patient I’ve taken care of, every friend I can count on, and my family with their unwavering support and love. I run for Olivia Antionette Pallotta the strongest little girl I know.. my why.

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

XO, Dana

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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