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In This Issue:
Team Brigham 2011
In years past, Kimberly Mello, an Emergency Department assistant, stood at the Boston Marathon’s finish line to cheer and show her support for runners taking on the grueling 26.2-mile race. This year, for the first time, she crossed the finish line herself, the sound of cheering crowds commemorating a goal she set out to achieve last fall.
Mello was among the 105 members of Team Brigham who took part in the 115th Boston Marathon April 18. In addition to the physical challenge of training for a marathon, BWHers, patients and their families, and hospital advocates raise money for Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Faulkner Hospital community health programs and services.
This year was a milestone campaign for the team, as the total number of funds raised since the program began in 1998 surpassed the $5 million mark. Though the final 2011 tally is not yet completed, so far, team members have raised more than $358,000.
“This year’s team is truly phenomenal,” said Suzanne Leidel, director of Special Events for Development and the Team Brigham den mother. “We should all take a moment to reflect on what they have accomplished and the wonder of the adventure they have undertaken.”
Marathon Monday for all Team Brigham runners began early: they departed Boston at 6:30 a.m. to make their way to Hopkinton. Once settled in the Team Brigham tent just steps away from the starting line, nervousness and excitement fueled the runners as they prepared for the race.
Team Brigham member Vince Speenburgh, credentialing administrator for BWPO Medical Staff Services, was gearing up for his second marathon with the team and reflected on its commitment to community service. “I hold these community services close to my heart because they do amazing things for the people we serve at BWH,” he said.
First-time marathoner Caroline Rizzuto, BSN, RN, of Shapiro 6 West, couldn’t wait to get started. “The training was brutal. This winter was so cold, but today it was totally worth it,” said Rizzuto.
That sentiment was shared by all runners as they crossed the finish line in Copley Square.
“It was an unbelievable experience,” said Mello, who finished the marathon in just under five hours. “The crowd was great, and the amazing feeling I had crossing the finish line was truly one of the best experiences of my life.”
At left, Anna Riera; Michelle DelPrete, Tony Lee and Laura Palmieri show off their Boston Marathon medal after the 26.2-mile race.
Watch the Video and view the Photo Gallery of the race.