If you're a Boston native, or have had the privilege of living here, you know that Marathon Monday is more than just a race day—it’s an iconic celebration of pride, camaraderie, and energy that fills the entire city. For me, growing up in Boston, it has always been my favorite day of the year. It’s a day where the city feels alive with an infectious spirit, where everyone becomes part of something larger, and no one is a stranger. The sense of community is overwhelming, as residents and visitors come together to support the runners and one another.

I’ll never forget where I was on the day of the bombings. I was thirteen, and my sister Meaghan and I were eagerly waiting for our parents to take us into the city to join the celebration. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into heartbreak and horror. Just over a month later, I found myself in a high school gymnasium at Meaghan’s graduation, watching her classmate, Gillian Reny, walk across the stage. It might seem like an ordinary memory, but it was far from it. Gillian had been cheering for her sister at the finish line when the bombs exploded, suffering devastating injuries. She received life-saving treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where doctors not only saved her life but also her legs. Watching Gillian walk across that stage remains one of the most powerful and unforgettable moments of my life.

The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation, founded by the Reny family, is a beacon of hope, bringing together leading medical experts to advance trauma care and research. Inspired by Gillian’s strength and resilience after the Boston Marathon bombings, the center has made a global impact on trauma survivors, turning tragedy into hope and promoting recovery and innovation. The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Foundation addresses the widespread effects of traumatic injuries—now the leading cause of death for those under 44—by funding research, supporting survivors, and advocating for better care. With trauma accounting for 40% of emergency visits and over $2 trillion in preventable injury costs, the Foundation is dedicated to improving outcomes for millions affected by trauma worldwide.

As a proud Boston native, it is truly an honor to run the Boston Marathon this year in support of the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Foundation. Marathon Monday has always held a special place in my heart, and this year, I have the privilege of running for a cause that means so much to me and so many others. The work that Stepping Strong does to support trauma survivors, fund groundbreaking research, and advance trauma care is nothing short of inspiring. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible movement, and I’m excited to contribute to the foundation’s mission to turn tragedy into hope. If you’re able, please consider supporting my journey by donating to my fundraiser, as every contribution helps make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by traumatic injuries. Together, we can help bring healing and hope to survivors around the world. Thank you for your support!

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