Dear Friends, Family;
This note is to let you know that I will be running this year’s Boston Marathon in April. I know some of you may be in disbelief right now; several months ago I would not have believed it myself.
I am running the marathon for a few reasons. This is an exciting personal challenge for me, one that I am very motivated about. The commitment to my training has brought a new passion to my life.
The other reason is for my son Liam. As most of you know, Liam (now two and a half years old) was diagnosed with a rare cancer, called Rhabdomyosacroma when he was only 5 ½ months old. After two surgeries to remove tumors from his lungs, several months of chemotherapy, and four weeks of radiation, I am happy to report that he is thriving and doing very well. Liam recently had a scan of his chest, and after almost a year since finishing chemotherapy, everything continues to look good.
Running the Boston Marathon will help me raise money for the pediatric hematology-oncology programs at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Liam has received the best possible care there from an amazing group of people, but there is more work to be done. Donations to this cause will help further the efforts to increase cure rates and find new, innovative therapies for pediatric cancer.
Those of you who know me, know that I am NOT a runner. Before I started this amazing journey I had never run more than a mile and a half in my life, now I can hardly believe that my weekly miles total over 20 miles and my longest run to date has been 8.5 miles. I have been training very hard for the race but cannot succeed alone. I need your help to reach my fund raising goal of $3,000. I am counting on the support of my family and friends to not only finish the race but also to help fight kids’ cancer.
You can help me in a number of ways as April 20th approaches.
- A donation through this site
- A donation mailed to my home (35 Old Elm Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 checks payable to Massachusetts General Hospital)
- Come join me for a run
- Recommend a song for my iPod playlist
I cannot thank you enough for your support. Together we can make a difference, and hopefully one day find a cure for childhood cancer.
Bridgett
UPDATE
Now that I have reached the committed amount, I am aiming a little bit higher in my goal. Thanks again to all who have helped us so far. So my weekly miles have gone way up since the last update and I have also ran in the New Bedford 1/2 marathon a few weeks ago and felt rally good. Hard to believe that the BIG day is only 21 days away. Thanks again to all that have support in this great cause! :)
UPDATE #2
WOW, what a day. I cannot even begin to describe yesterday. It was a truly amazing day for everyone. I never would have thought that I would ever run in a road never mind the Boston Marathon. It was a once in a lifetime thing and I was glad that I was able to do it and for such a GREAT cause. I have reached my personal goal of raising $7000 for MGH and will look to continue to raise funds over the next month. Thank you again for all who have donated and contributed in many ways. :) :) :) :)
Thank you to our off-line sponsors as well:
Auntie Missy and Uncle Jack
The Smith Family
Mike and Marsha Donovan (Dunnie)
Dennis and Martha Furtado
Patty Hennessey
Cheryl and Amy
Pat Cronin
The Itzkowitz Family
Brian and Susan Feeney
Lisa Grosshart
Paula Lemont
Barbara Beaudoin
Patty Connor
Bill and Tina Hurley
Uncle Billy
Joe and Linda Farroba
Jeanne Daly Swierski
Lynda and Artie Milliken
The Vanbuskirk Family
The English Family
Aunt Kathy
Melissa Ryan
Cathy and Jim Walsh
Cara and Anthony DeLucia
Maryann and Paul Vienneau
Noah, Zach, and Emilie Vienneau
Mary and Charles Clay
Erin Burrows and Family
Jeannine Jarvis
Barbara and Tony Cerce
Billy and Amy Casey and Family
Wayne and Michele Casey and Family
Maryclaire and Dan Capetta
Auntie Alyce
Vicki Harchik and Family
Lori Salvia and Bruce Anderson
Helen Pierce (Ms. Helen)
Darryl and Laurie Graffam
Margaret and Richard Simolari
The Chappron Family
Joseph Oliveri
Walter Paschal and Family
John and Anne Harper