Burlington Runners Helping Kids Fight Cancer

The following was submitted by Mass General Hospital's Public Affairs office:

Three Burlington residents will run in the 121st Boston Marathon on April 17st in support of MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s pediatric cancer team, Fighting Kids’ Cancer ... One Step at a Time. Colleen Brine, a nurse on the pediatric inpatient unit, along with Courtney and Ryan Fine, whose daughter was treated at MGH multiple times, will join an estimated 30,000 runners along the 26.2 mile course that spans from Hopkinton to Boylston Street in Boston.

Funds raised by the Burlington residents will support cutting-edge research and quality of life programming - such as child life services and art and music therapy - which help pediatric cancer patients and their families cope emotionally and developmentally with their illnesses. The team, made up of 102 runners - including former patients and parents, MGH employees and hospital supporters - has set a fundraising goal of $1 million.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of John Hancock’s partnership with the Mass General Marathon Program. Since it was formed in 1998, Mass General’s Fighting Kids’ Cancer...One Step at a Time has raised more than $12 million that directly support the pediatric hematology-oncology program.

“I have a unique perspective into the lives of children undergoing live saving therapy at MGHfC,” says Howard Weinstein, MD, chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MGHfC and 17-year captain of the pediatric team. “Since the team’s inception, I’ve seen our runners get physically and emotionally involved in our mission to conquer childhood cancer. They go the extra mile and their support is vital to our continued holistic approach to cancer care.’

To learn more about the Fighting Kids’ Cancer...One Step at a Time team or help support Colleen, Courtney or Ryan, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/MGHPediatricCancerBoston2017.

Photo by Mike Carraggi, Patch staff