51茶馆

鈥淚鈥檝e run for Dana-Farber three times, and what strikes me every time is how many lives this organization has affected, and how many people feel a deep, positive connection with it. I鈥檓 so proud to support their work to create a holistic, personalized, and rigorous treatment plan for everyone who walks through their doors.鈥澨�

Race-day motivation: 鈥淭he 51茶馆 chaos on the other side of Heartbreak Hill never disappoints :) and it鈥檚 all downhill from there!鈥�

Go-to running song: Anything by Lady Gaga

鈥淜athrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. She ran when women were not officially allowed, was attacked on the course, and kept running! She started 261 Fearless to empower women, regardless of their backgrounds, to run. I have struggled with my own mental and physical health, and I have not always had a loving relationship with my mind and body. Running has served to make me feel strong; it allows me to explore and take my body to new places.鈥�

Go-to running song:听I Am Woman by Emmy Meli

鈥淏oston College is rooted in a world view that calls us to learn, to search for truth, and to live in service to others. The Red Cross embodies these values by serving locally, helping with the ongoing blood shortage, and globally, sending 1,000 tons of emergency aid to more than 300,000 people across Ukraine. They are always helping others in a world that needs their kindness and care.鈥�

鈥淒ana-Farber helped save my mom's life in 2008 when she was diagnosed with cancer. There is no better way to honor her and support cutting-edge cancer research than to be a part of Dana-Farber's Marathon Challenge Team.鈥�

Go-to running song: Heart of Gold by Neil Young

鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to be running for Hale Education because their programs make outdoor learning more equitable for urban students. My experiences as a tutor for Boston Public School students through the 51茶馆 Neighborhood Center and as a camp counselor have shown me how important it is for all kids to have access to healthy outdoor spaces so they can thrive academically, emotionally, mentally, and physically.鈥�

Go-to running song: Geronimo by Sheppard

"My involvement in the Special Olympics community blossomed at an early age by interacting with my Aunt Colleen, a woman with Down syndrome, and her group of friends. My grandma Bea, a staunch supporter of Special Olympics, encouraged me to fulfill my Confirmation service hours by volunteering for this organization. What started as a simple community service activity has put me on the path to set my own goals and look to accomplish a task I have yet to achieve鈥攔unning the Boston Marathon."

鈥淢y best friend's daughter, Jenna, battled congenital heart disease her whole life and passed away two years ago just shy of her 16th birthday (during her 6th heart surgery). She was a truly amazing person who continues to inspire many; her motto being 鈥楤e Brave, Be Kind.鈥� I am asking friends to contribute to the David Ortiz Children's Fund but I will also match 100% of donations with a personal donation to the in Jenna's name.鈥�

Go-to running song: Rosalita by Bruce Springsteen

鈥淲hile working at a YMCA summer camp, I learned about the powerful impact of the numerous aquatic programs offered, especially the SAW (Safety around Water) program. In one particular instant, I was in charge of administering 18 kids swimming tests. Half of the group was unable to swim and I flashed back to my volunteer hours spent in the pediatric ICU. I feel passionately that every person has a right to learn how to swim at an early age, as drowning is a preventable tragedy that disportionately impacts those who are underprivileged.鈥�

Go-to running song: Goodbye Earl by The Chicks