Marblehead Duo Running For A Reason This Year: Boston Marathon

The following was submitted by Mass General:

Two Marblehead residents will run in the 122nd Boston Marathon on April 16th in support of MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Cancer Team. Diana Ulrich and Tim Sullivan will join an estimated 30,000 runners along the 26.2-mile course that spans from Hopkinton to Boston’s Boylston Street. The funds they raise support pioneering research, clinical initiatives and quality of life services such as art and music therapy which help pediatric cancer patients cope emotionally and developmentally with their illnesses.

Tim has been fortunate to run the Boston Marathon 4 times in honor of Megan Sheehy, a former Mass General patient who lost her battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 2014. Throughout her ordeal, Megan inspired Tim and the Marblehead community with her grace, determination, and passion for life. MGHfC was instrumental in guiding Megan and her parents along this unfathomably challenging path and enhancing their opportunities to celebrate life. Her indomitable spirit continues to stir Tim to help more MGHfC families in her memory.

Diana, a nurse in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, found inspiration in her interactions with pediatric cancer patients. As a part of the Pediatric Endocrine team, she has worked with patients who are cared for in the MGHfC Cancer Center. “There are no words to describe the impact that these children have had on my practice, the compassion which I have in my heart, the empathy that I have for their challenges, the amazement that I feel watching their bravery and the pride that I have in their caregivers,” she says.

The team, made up of 102 runners - including former patients and parents, MGH employees and hospital supporters - has set a fundraising goal of $1 million. Thanks to a partnership with John Hancock, the Mass General’s Fighting Kids’ Cancer...One Step at a Time team will include 102 runners that range from former patients and parents, MGH employees and longtime program supporters. Since 1998, the pediatric cancer team has raised more than $13.5 million that directly support pediatric cancer care and research initiatives.

“I have a unique perspective into the lives of children undergoing lifesaving cancer treatment at MGHfC,” says Howard Weinstein, MD, chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MGHfC and 18-year captain of the pediatric team. “These runners, who dedicate so much of themselves to training and fundraising efforts, become partners in our mission to conquer childhood cancer. They go the extra mile and their support is essential to our continued holistic approach to cancer care.”

To learn more about the MGHfC Pediatric Cancer Team, visit https://giving.massgeneral.org/boston-marathon/pediatric-cancer-team/.

Photo by Mike Carraggi, Patch