April 30, 2004

Running the good race

Among the sea of thousands of runners, MGHers dressed in red, white and yellow made the hospital proud April 19, when some of the MGH's finest laced up their sneakers, pounded the pavement and braved soaring temperatures — and Heartbreak Hill — while participating in the 108th annual Boston Marathon. More than 130 MGHers ran the world-famous race to raise money for pediatric cancer research, cystic fibrosis and the Durant Fellowship program 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. This year, the marathon team, called "Fighting Kids' Cancer ... One Step at a Time," was made up of 87 physicians, nurses, staff, family and members of the staff, family and members of the community. Many of the team members had never run a marathon — or any race for that matter — but were inspired by the children and their families who battle cancer every day. The team's projected goal this year is $500,000.

Running the marathon for the second time was "Team Durant,"made up of 31 men and women who ran on behalf of the Thomas Durant, MD, Refugee Fellowship Program. The Durant Fellowship sponsors health care professionals to serve refugee populations and victims of humanitarian and natural diasasters. Team Durant is on their way to raising $60,000.

The MGH Cystic Fibrosis Team once again ran the marathon on behalf of the MGH Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center. An anonymous donation of $20,000 brought the team closer to their goal of $60,000. The funds will go directly to the MGH CF Center to support staff positions that provide the necessary care CF patients require.

The world-famous race is a test of endurance for all athletes at any time. This year, however, proved even more daunting for the thousands of runners braving record-breaking heat. The temperature soared into the upper eighties, creating an unhealthy air quality that caused both runners and spectators to become sick. The MGH Emergency Department, however, was once again ready to face the challenge as it began receiving patients from the race around 4 pm that afternoon and continued receiving patients well into the night.

"The nursing and administrative staff members really made the runners and families feel comfortable and supported in a very busy and crowded area," says Maryfran Hughes, RN, MSN, nurse manager of the Emergency Department.

Materials Management staff brought in extra linen and supplies, and MGH Food and Nutrition Services provided Gatorade and salted crackers. Environmental Services staff cleaned stretchers and assisted moving patients in the crowded area. Transport staff brought extra stretchers to accomodate the patients. "Everyone was really exhausted," says Hughes, "but they were really proud to be part of the MGH response."