April 25, 2008

Racking up the miles for the MGHfC

After months of dedicated training, more than 100 MGH staff and supporters laced up their sneakers and joined thousands of fellow athletes in running the 112th Boston Marathon April 21. Many of these runners helped raise thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer and cystic fibrosis programs at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC). The devoted athletes were members of two MGH marathon teams: "Fighting Kids' Cancer ... One Step at a Time" and the MGH Cystic Fibrosis Team. They were cheered on by an enthusiastic group of MGH supporters who had gathered at Heartbreak Hill.

Howard Weinstein, MD, chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the MGHfC, established the "Fighting Kids' Cancer" team in 1998 after one of his patients died from a highly aggressive sarcoma. This year, the team aimed to raise $750,000 for pediatric cancer programs and research. The Cystic Fibrosis Team, which is led by Allen Lapey, MD, of the Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonary Unit and the Cystic Fibrosis Center at the MGHfC, was created in 2001.

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE: MGHfC runners prior to taking their mark