I am writing with immense gratitude and excitement as I finally fulfill a lifelong goal—running the Boston Marathon this April for Stepping Strong. Growing up in Boston, I watched my family cross the finish line time and time again, and I knew one day I would take on this iconic race myself. After the senseless tragedy in 2013 experienced so acutely by my family, my desire to run took on a deeper meaning—running for Stepping Strong is about more than just experiencing the energy of the crowds, celebrating the spirit of Boston, and counting down the miles. I can't wait to run for a life-saving cause that means so much to me and be part of Stepping Strong's mission to further Trauma Innovation and help other trauma patients regain their strength. 

In 2013, Boston was changed forever when a beautiful Marathon Monday turned into a senseless tragedy. My cousin Gillian Reny, then a high school senior, was one of 39 critically injured patients rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where doctors and nurses saved her life and legs. With gratitude to the Brigham, my family established The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation to help other trauma patients regain their strength and ability to step strong once again. The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation aims to catalyze trauma innovation for injured civilians and military heroes through multidisciplinary investigative collaborations across the continuum of trauma care, from prevention to treatment and recovery. Stepping Strong-funded initiatives are making a profound impact on trauma survivors and their families worldwide. The center has raised more than $30 million to fuel trauma research, advance education, build community, and inspire advocacy. But much more needs to be done.Trauma is a neglected global epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control:

The Stepping Strong Center remains committed to serving as a leader in trauma research and innovation to bridge this gap and advance the field of trauma care. When you support a member of the Brigham's Stepping Strong Boston Marathon Team, you are helping the center turn tragedy into hope for civilians and military heroes worldwide who have suffered devastating traumatic injuries.