On Monday April 18th, I will be running the 126th Boston Marathon in support of Children’s Hospital-Boston, as a member of their Miles for Miracles team. This will be the 20th consecutive year that I have run the Boston Marathon in support of Children’s. I have been a patient of the hospital since birth and a volunteer for the past twenty one years.
Over the past 19 years, I have been able to contribute in excess of $443,000 to the organization ($63,000 last fall and top 2 fundraiser for the team, THANK YOU).
In 2019, I committed to raising $500,000 as a milestone to hit on #20 (proud to be on track to exceed that goal due to your support).
For those of you that have been on this journey with me dating back to the beginning, you’ll remember that I ran for my patient partner James Manduca and his two sisters. I first ran for James when he was 8 years old (now 26). He and his sisters are all inflicted with Brittle Bone Disease, together suffering 100s of broken bones living their everyday lives. We grew to be very close with the family over many years, but we lost touch as James became an adult/dad and we chased Vince and Luke. A few weeks ago, I received an unexpected email pairing me with his now 6 year old daughter Ainslee as my patient partner (her first time participating). Ainslee also has brittle bone disease and currently recovering from her 20th break.
I couldn’t be more grateful to be on the verge of getting to $500,000 for Children’s while running for Ainslee. That will make for a truly memorable way for me to walk (hobble) away after I hopefully cross the finish line one last time in April.
Children’s Hospital changed my life and I promise your donation will help change many others.
My teammates, the patients and families of Children’s Hospital-Boston, and I appreciate your support.
With immense gratitude,
-Tom Campbell
