Why I'm Running

It's hard to be on the sidelines. Too many times in my life I've witnessed the suffering of others and wished I could do more. More times than I'd like to admit I've realized how little I actually do for others compared to my inner circle of family, friends and neighbors. Rather than resign myself to spouting to platitudes, I try to appease my own feelings of inadequate contribution by taking on what John Kotter of Harvard Business School calls BHAGs - Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

One of those BHAGs has been running marathons, in particular the Boston Marathon, while raising money for good causes. This year I'm working hard to raise money to run for Mass General's "Fighting Kids' Cancer...One Step at a Time" team. It has been estimated that in 2012 nearly 12,000 kids were diagnosed with cancer, and some 1,300 would die of cancer last year alone. That's a pretty staggering statistic, and one that I hope I can help reduce or eliminate.

Running the Boston Marathon is an electrifying experience, but the benefit to me isn't finishing the race, it's the added visibility this race has on helping raise money that might not otherwise be possible. Charities raise more than $11 million per year by participating in the race, a number that has a significant impact on the lives of our own families, friends and neighbors.

I've done my part to do what I can for the children in Afghanistan, many of whom suffer every day like the kids in Mass General's cancer treatment centers. I'd like to do my part now to help kids fighting cancer, some of whom that I've met that I know I will not have the chance to see again. Please consider helping me help Mass General find the treatments and care solutions, and possibly one day a cure, for the kids that need us.

It's easy to donate, simply follow this link.

http://www.crowdrise.com/teammassgeneralhospital/fundraiser/thomkenney

Thank you for listening.