Allyson Mendonza's Fundraiser:

                I never pictured myself running a marathon.  Actually, I have never been much of a runner at all.  And here I am, training to run the 2014 Boston Marathon.   It seems like everyone has some connection to the horrific events at last year’s marathon and I am not an exception. 

                On Marathon Monday April 15, 2013 I got up and got ready for the Red Sox game as I did almost every Marathon Monday.   After the game we cheered on the runners and were walking to Boylston Street when the bombs went off.  My friends and I waited anxiously to hear that our loved ones watching and running were safe.  Unfortunately not everyone was unscathed.  I returned to work, in a surgical intensive care unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, the next day.  Our unit was filled with grieving patients, families and staff.  The weeks   that followed were filled with some of the lowest and highest emotions in my career.  Our unit came together to support each other.  We consoled patients and families that were injured and scarred from the explosions.  We helped prepare them to meet the President of the United States and some of the Red Sox players.  Our ICU was forever changed from those events and so were the lives of the patients we cared for.  I chose to run the 2014 Boston Marathon to pay respect to those who lost their lives, the numerous people that were injured and for my amazing, compassionate coworkers. 

                I am running for Massachusetts General Hospital, specifically its pediatric hematology-oncology program.  These sick children face day to day hardships that many of us will never endure.  I have been a nurse at Mass General for over 5 years and could not think of a place more deserving of your donation.  I want to thank my incredible family and friends in advance for all of your support along the way.  It will be a life changing journey from Hopkinton to Boston! 

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL wrote -

Since 1998, with the partnership of John Hancock Financial, the Mass General Marathon Team has raised nearly $9 million to support the pediatric hematology-oncology program at MassGeneral Hospital forChildren (MGHfC). Funds raised are directed to cancer care and research initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the hospital’s youngest cancer patients.

MGHfC has put these funds to good use advancing cutting-edge research, increasing the number of clinical studies to improve cure rates and providing the best treatment possible to pediatric cancer patients. But MGHfC is also focused on the quality of life of its young patients and their families. The marathon program also supports child life activities such as art and music therapy and support services for parents and siblings of patients.

We are grateful for the hard work of all of our runners and the dedication of their family and friends as they go through this historic journey. 

The 2014 marathon is going to be one of the most historic 26.2 mile runs ever and we are honored to be a part of it. We appreciate your support. MGH Strong!