For this upcoming NYC Marathon, I will be running in honor of my neighbor, Akmal Z. Though you would never know it, Akmal suffered from numerous conditions, including kidney failure, intestinal failure, and MoyaMoya diseases, a rare abnormality that affects the arteries of the brain and causes strokes in children. Even though his life was complicated by multiple diagnoses, he never let that slow him down. Akmal and his mom, Dina, moved to Boston in search of treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital, after being told that there was nothing that could be done for him in their home country, Kazakhstan. Akmal was in and out of BCH often for numerous procedures, dialysis, or longer inpatient stays. Unfortunately, a stroke took Akmal’s life in April after a long surgery.
Akmal was a fun, loving and incredibly witty kid. He would knock on our door to ask to play baseball or video games any chance he would get. We would often hear him singing along to Hamilton through our apartment’s in walls, never messing up any of the words. He couldn’t wait to tell you his latest joke, and he was always down for an adventure. I’m honored to run in your name, Akmal, and I hope I make you proud!
Will you help me reach my fundraising goal with a donation today?
Every dollar I raise funds breakthrough research, family support services, and vital care not covered by insurance through the hospital’s Every Child Fund. Your gift will:
- give children battling the most complex diseases treatments they can’t find anywhere else;
- help children in your town and across the world get a second chance;
- fuel 3,000+ researchers working to find cures;
- help patient-families in crisis with urgent needs, including housing, food and clothing;
- bring crucial care to families through outpatient psychiatry clinics;
- and so much more.
Please support my fundraising—and help the children and families at Boston Children’s and beyond.
