Why I Run with Team Tufts MC

Read the stories behind some of this year's runners and why they chose to run with Team Tufts MC in the 2021 Boston Marathon.

Claire Cohen

Claire is running her first Boston Marathon with Team Tufts MC in honor of her father and the incredible care he received at Tufts Medical Center. 

“Almost six years ago, my dad got sick and we had no idea why. He was referred to Tufts Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with AL Amyloidosis. His caregivers provided him with the best treatment, bringing my dad back to his happy, goofy self. I am running in honor of the amazing team of doctors, nurses, and other caregivers who took such good care of him.”

Marina and Julia Gallotto

Sisters Marina and Julia will be running this year’s Boston Marathon in support of their dear friend Meredith. 

After suffering from a traumatic brain injury and being treated at Tufts Children’s Hospital, Meredith created her own non-profit organization to raise awareness for traumatic brain injuries while keeping the notion of kindness at the center of its mission and regularly partners with the Medical Center on initiatives. Inspired by their friend, Marina and Julia look forward to crossing the finish line this year.

 

Tom Goodwin

Tom was a patient at Tufts Children’s Hospital as a child, where he was treated for a rare autoimmune disease that prevented him from being active. Now healthy, he is running with Team Tufts MC in honor of the care and emotional support he received from his team of practitioners at Tufts Children’s Hospital.

“The nurses and doctors made me feel safe and cared for, even when there was so much day-to-day uncertainty. During a time when I didn't know if I could walk again, let alone run, my care team helped me get back to my best self. I am so excited to finally give back as a member of Team Tufts MC.”

Kristin Halfpenny

Kristin is running with Team Tufts MC to give back for all of the support she received at Tufts Medical Center during her weight loss journey.
 
“I have been a patient in the Weight and Wellness program at the Tufts MC for many years. After all of the support that my care team provided me, it only felt right to be able to bring this back full circle and train for my first full marathon wearing a Team Tufts MC singlet. Tufts Medical Center truly changed my life."

Justin Popso

Justin, Emergency Room physician at Tufts Medical Center, is excited to be running his first Boston Marathon. 

“I am running the Boston Marathon as a member of Team Tufts MC to give back to the incredible people that I work with who consistently provide exceptional and compassionate care each and every day. I am also running in honor of my patients and their families who inspire me to be at my best every day.”  

We are grateful to our dedicated team of runners for the funds raised in support of many of our most important patient-focused needs.

There's still time to make a donation and support Team Tufts MC!