I have been living in New York City for the past 4 years, but it’s no secret that I am a true Bostonian. My love for this city and my passion for running are about to bring me back on April 21st! I am excited to share that I will be running my first Boston Marathon as a member of the 2025 Brigham and Women’s Hospital Stepping Strong Marathon Team!

Gillian Reny was 18 years old when the bombs went off at the Boston Marathon finish line. She was rushed to the Brigham for care, and because of the Brigham's heroic work, they were able to save her life and both of her legs. Grateful for the Brigham team that saved Gillian, the Reny family established the Stepping Strong Fund in 2014. The Fund had an immediate impact on trauma research and innovation, and in 2017, the Fund expanded into a physical Center in the Hale Building for Transformative Medicine.

Through the Marathon Team, I have learned that trauma has no boundaries: it can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. In fact, traumatic injury is the leading cause of death of children and adults up to the age of 44. Trauma research remains an underrepresented and underfunded field. The Stepping Strong Center focuses on medical, psychological and social strategies to address the impact of trauma and how to prevent it. I am proud to contribute to these efforts as a member of the Marathon Team.

The Brigham is a special place to me and my family. It all started in 1978 with my Auntie Beth who was a nurse in the operating room for 20 years. Her love for and commitment to the Hospital continues today. As a family, we have followed her lead as patients ourselves for over 45 years. 

I was born at the Brigham in 1998, and now, at 26 years old, I am a primary care patient myself. I am honored to be running for Stepping Strong, my first step (well, technically my first of 55,000 steps!) in what I know will be a lifetime of personal involvement with the Hospital. 

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

I hope you will consider making a gift through my fundraising page!