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A penchant for races runs in the Gaziano family. Michael Gaziano, MD, chief of the Division of Aging, has always been a sprinter, while Tom Gaziano, MD, a BWH cardiologist, opts for long distance.
This year, the two BWH physicians reconciled their running differences and trained together for the April 16 Boston Marathon as members of Team Brigham.
“Running with Mike is a big motivator,” said Tom Gaziano, who has four marathons under his belt. “It gives us a chance to get together a lot. Having a family member to run with makes training all the more fun.”
Tom’s experience in marathon running was valuable to his brother as he prepared physically and mentally for the challenge of a 26.2-mile race. “Tom understands what’s important in training before the marathon,” Michael Gaziano said. “For example, if the weather’s bad and you miss a short run, that’s ok, but you need to get in one speed workout and one long run per week.”
The brothers’ busy clinical schedules don’t allow them to make the Team Brigham training runs, but just being a part of the team is inspiring.
“The excitement of a race is always fun, and running as part of a team is great,” Michael Gaziano said. “But being part of a team that is doing something for a good cause adds an even more special element to the marathon.”
The funds raised by Team Brigham support BWH community health programs, including Passageway and the Student Success Jobs Program (SSJP), which gives high school students in the surrounding communities the opportunity to learn about health care careers and earn money while they intern at BWH.
“SSJP gives students an idea of the possibilities for a career in health care,” Michael Gaziano said. “The impact that will have for years to come will be quite large. This program is creating the next generation of role models and health care workers.”
The Gazianos will be cheered on by another of their brothers—there are five altogether—and their children as they cross the finish line on Boylston Street.
Team Brigham is the largest source of fund-raising revenue for BWH’s community health programs. Support the team in meeting its goal of $500,000 this year by donating online at www.brighamandwomens.org/formsdonationForm.aspx or bidding on an item in the online auction at www.teambrigham.cmarket.com
Join BWH in supporting the 135 members on race day as they take on the challenging 26.2-mile course. BWH’s official cheering spot is at 835 Beacon St., in front of An Tua Nua, noon – 4 p.m. on Monday, April 16. Bring your own signs of support and get ready to cheer!
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