Skip to contents
In This Issue:
From left, Noelle Shough of BWH Development, Melanie Peterson, wife of Team Brigham runner David Peterson, Development’s Suzanne Leidel and Carl Finn and his son Zachary Finn cheer on runners at this water stop during a recent 20-mile training run.
Team Brigham’s 136 runners are in the final stretch of fund-raising and training for the 113th Boston Marathon. After fueling up on carbohydrates at Sunday night’s pasta dinner at BWH, the team will take its mark at the starting line Monday, April 20, in Hopkinton, joining approximately 22,000 runners competing in the world’s oldest annual marathon.
Team Brigham, which aims to raise $500,000 for BWH community programs, consists of members ranging in age from 20 to 66. This is the first marathon for 59 of the team’s members, while others have run in at least one and up to approximately 90 marathons during their running careers. Cullene Murphy, a nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has more than 90 marathons under her belt, and team member Ernest Sparks has approximately 50.
On race day, several BWHers are lending their support and expertise to the team. James Q. Hwang, MD, of Emergency Medicine, organizes a crew to staff a medical area at the Prudential Center Fitcorp, where Team Brigham runners head after the race to reconnect with family. “This is his second year helping us, and it is much appreciated,” said Suzanne Leidel, the official den mother of Team Brigham. “Our thanks also to Fitcorp, which donates space to the team and MGH runners, providing hot showers, clean towels and space for Partners to provide food.”
Sore and tired runners also receive the services of massage therapists, including Laura Doe, a BWH nurse, who has volunteered for the last three years. And many members of BWH Development volunteer to lend their voices at the official Team Brigham cheering spot in front of 835 Beacon St.
“On behalf of all of Team Brigham, we thank everyone who has supported us, whether it is by coming out to cheer during the marathon, helping us reach our fund-raising goal or lending crucial services on race day and before,” Leidel said. “And of course, my heartfelt thanks goes to each of the 136 runners who have given their all to train for this race and raise funds in support of BWH’s community programs.”
Lend your support to the team by cheering them on along the route or helping them reach their fund-raising goal by visiting www.firstgiving.com/teambrigham2009