April 18, 2003

On April 21, some of the MGH's finest will lace up their sneakers and pound the pavement while participating in the 107th annual Boston Marathon. More than 70 MGHers will run the world famous race to raise money for pediatric cancer research at the MGH.

The MGH Marathon Team was started in 1998 by Howard Weinstein, MD, chief of MGH Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, after one of his patients died from incurable sarcoma. The marathon team, called "Fighting Kids" Cancer ... One Step at a Time," is made up of physicians, nurses, staff, family and members of the community. Many of the team members have never run a marathon — or any race for that matter — but are inspired to run by the children and their families who battle cancer every day.

The team hopes to raise $500,000 to benefit the pediatric cancer programs at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

An MGH team member is cheered on during last year's Boston Marathon.