Peter Connolly Fundraising Page - Boston Marathon 2025
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:
- Trauma is the number one cause of death for people 44 or younger, ahead of cancer and heart disease.
- Traumatic injuries comprise 40% of visits to emergency departments.
- More than $2 trillion per year is spent on decreased productivity, work loss, and medical costs due to traumatic injuries.
- Despite the significant burden of trauma, less than 2% of federal funding is allocated toward trauma research, inhibiting our ability to understand how to prevent, treat, and improve recovery from traumatic injury.
My name is Peter Connolly, and I am proud to call Boston my hometown. My family has deep ties to the city, including my dad’s work at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact the Brigham has on our community. Their commitment to compassionate care and groundbreaking innovation has always inspired me. The Stepping Strong Center, in particular, stands out to me for its dedication to advancing trauma-related research and improving care for those who experience life-altering injuries.
The events of 2013 profoundly shaped my perspective. Like so many Bostonians, I was deeply affected by the tragedy, and it reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience, community, and advancing our response to traumatic events. Running the Boston Marathon has always been a dream of mine, and to do so in support of the Stepping Strong program would be a way to honor the city I love and contribute to a cause that drives meaningful change.
Being part of the marathon is not just about running; it’s about carrying forward a legacy of strength, hope, and determination that defines Boston. I’m eager to join this effort, combining my passion for running with a commitment to supporting vital trauma research and care through the Brigham and Stepping Strong.
