Weymouth Family's Boston Marathon Run Is 5 Years In The Making

WEYMOUTH, MA – Rob Hicks had his Boston Marathon run stopped at Kenmore Square in 2013 after two bombs detonated at the finish line, killing three people and injuring more than 260. On the ride home, he and his daughters, Andrea and Erica, made a promise to run the marathon together in five years.

This year they'll make good on that vow, running as part of Team South Shore Health System (SSHS) and raising money to support cancer patients.

"As a physical therapist, I have treated many patients who have had positive experiences at South
Shore Hospital and through the VNA of the South Shore," Erica Hicks, who will run the 26.2 mile
trek on her 26th birthday, said in a statement. "It will be an honor to run and fundraise for a worthy charity that has impacted the lives of so many people."

Rob Hicks, 52, was a junior in high school when his father passed away from cancer. In 2002, his aunt and godmother died from cancer as well.

"On both of these occasions South Shore Health VNA and Hospice came to my mother’s house to care
for them in their final days," Hicks said. "Although it’s been a long time, I can still remember the care that both of these wonderful organizations provided. I’m running this year’s marathon both as a way to thank
VNA and Hospice for their past help and to raise funds for a future without cancer.”

Andrea Hicks, 24, didn’t have the opportunity to meet her grandfather, but she lauds him with raising
an amazing son – her father and running partner, Rob.

"Ever since I started running 10 years ago, my biggest dream has been to run the Boston Marathon, " she said. "It has been a goal of mine for years, and I am so unbelievably excited to announce that I will be able
to accomplish this goal. I am even more delighted to say that I get to run this marathon with two of
my biggest heroes: my dad and my older sister."

Five years ago, Rob Hicks inspired his whole family by running his first marathon.

"I am lucky enough not only to still have my father, but to be running a marathon with him," Andrea Hicks said. "I am proud to be raising money for such a wonderful foundation, and I am so excited to finish the journey that started on April 15th, 2013."

This is the seventh year South Shore Health System has fielded a Boston Marathon team, thanks to its
ongoing partnership with the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program. Last year, Team
SSHS raised $170,000 in support of cancer care programs on the South Shore. The team’s goal is to
match or exceed that amount in 2018.

Click here to donate to the Hicks family fundraising page.

Photo submitted by SSHS