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In This Issue:
Liliana Rosselli-Risal, MD
As Liliana Rosselli-Risal, MD, crossed the finished line of Monday’s 114th Boston Marathon, she fought back tears as she reflected on her last six months of training, her 8-year-old son who ran with her the last mile and the patients who benefit from funds raised by Team Brigham.
“Being part of Team Brigham and finishing the marathon was the most exciting and rewarding experience I’ve had in my life,” said Rosselli-Risal, a Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center physician and first-time marathon runner, who was among the 118 Team Brigham members who participated in the grueling 26.2-mile race.
Team Brigham members not only conquered a personal feat, but in the process raised funds for Faulkner Hospital and BWH community health programs and services including Passageway, CHAT (Connecting Hope, Assistance and Treatment) and the Student Success Jobs Program. This year’s goal is to raise $500,000.
“I see the important role these services play in my patients’ lives and the amount of good that comes out of them,” said Rosselli-Risal, who was among the team’s 31 BWH employees—a record high—along with four Faulkner Hospital employees.
For Sarah Ouellette, a medical assistant in the Division of Plastic Surgery, completing the marathon, raising money and being part of Team Brigham was a way to give back.
“I consider myself lucky to be part of BWH. There have been so many great people that I have met here, both co-workers and patients, and running and raising money is the least I can do,” said Ouellette, a first time Team Brigham member.
Since the Team Brigham program began in 1998, about 1,200 runners have raised more than $4.25 million to benefit community health programs. This year, with a month remaining to its fund-raising deadline, Team Brigham has raised close to $340,000.
“I am so very proud of each and every one of our Team Brigham runners. They have done a fantastic job this year with their training and fund raising,” said Suzanne Leidel, director of Special Events for Development and the Team Brigham den mother. “Whatever their reason for taking on this physical, mental and financial challenge, the members of Team Brigham 2010 have demonstrated courage, tenacity and determination. It has been a true privilege to share in their marathon adventure.”
For many Team Brigham members, the preparation for the Boston Marathon began last year with team training runs and personal training courtesy of FitCorp and continued right through the day before the race, with the team’s pasta party, which featured a speech from marathon icon Bill Rodgers, who has completed nearly 60 marathons including Boston.
Ouellette remembers what Rodgers and many others have emphasized during her training: "Start out slow, and don't burn yourself out early," she said.
Rosselli-Risal said the support of the BWH community, team members and especially the emotional support of Leidel helped her achieve this milestone.
"We couldn't have done it without that support from Suzanne. She is truly the heart of Team Brigham,” said Rosselli-Risal.
Bill Rodgers with BWH's Etai Belinky and his family during Team Brigham's Pasta Party.
Photo Gallery online at: www.bwhpikenotes.org