Hi Everyone!  

Thanks for visiting my Marathon fundraising page, and thank you in advance for your support!  A special thank you to those of you who have supported me in the past; I realize it’s hard to contribute year after year and I appreciate your dedication and participation.

As many of you know, this is my third year running the Boston Marathon to benefit the pediatric hematology-oncology program at the Massachusetts General Hospital.  I have been asked repeatedly why I would want to run 26.2 miles one time, let alone a third time.  I can assure you, it's not because it's really fun to train through the winter in Boston and be crippled by pain for a week following the race, and it's not because I'm going for gold or trying to beat the Kenyans for the prize money.... what motivates me to run this prestigious race year after year, is the CAUSE.  Working in the development office at the MGH, I am able to witness first-hand, how the money raised though this program, directly supports the amazing and groundbreaking research that is being done every day to advance the treatment options for kids with cancer.

Over the past 13 years, the MGH Marathon team has raised a total of $6.7 million dollars.  In 2012, the 100 runners on the MGH team are hoping to raise $1 million in just less than 6 months!! 

This year I am once again reaching out to my generous and thoughtful friends and family for philanthropic support, and in order to expand the depth and breadth of my fundraising outreach to reach my personal goal of $10,000, I will also be branching out to engage local businesses, major corporations and anyone else who will listen.  I encourage you to read the information below about the how the MGH Marathon program differs from similar initiatives, and consider making a contribution in support of a cause that has never been more important.  At the rate which research has been going, the survival rate for pediatric will reach close to 100% within the next decade!  

Additionally, if your company is interested in supporting MGH on a corporate level, has a matching gift program, or is looking to partner with the hospital for marketing purposes, please  let me know how I might get in touch with the appropriate personnel. 

Thank you again for your participation and support, and be sure to visit my website again to see my fundraising progress, get updates on my patient partner and hear about my training highlights.

THANKS AND LOVE! - Jordan

About the Marathon Team

Since 1998, with the partnership of John Hancock Financial, the Mass General Marathon Team has raised over $6.7 million to support the pediatric hematology-oncology program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC). Funds raised are directed to cancer care and research initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the hospital’s youngest cancer patients. Apply to run on the 2012 Mass General Marathon Team today!

Patient-Partner Program

The MassGeneral Marathon Team is centered around the Marathon Patient-Partner Program, in which runners are paired with patients undergoing cancer treatment at MGHfC. When our runners set out on Boston’s grueling 26.2-mile course, they not only raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research; they inspire and bring hope to the youngest patients we serve.

Last year, 50 children undergoing treatment were paired with Mass General runners. Some runners take part to support young patients they already know and love while others bond with a courageous child they have never met through the Patient-Partner Program. At an emotional pre-race pasta party and ceremony on the night preceding the marathon, runners presented a medal of honor to their patient-partner. It symbolizes a shared personal commitment in the fight against pediatric cancer, and represents all the hope we have that our efforts at Mass General will lead to a cure for this devastating disease.

The Child-Life Program

The Child-Life Program within the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MGHfC benefits every year from the funds raised by the Marathon Team. The program utilizes therapeutic play — including music and art therapy, massage and acupuncture — to help pediatric cancer patients and their families cope emotionally and developmentally with their illnesses. This year, more patients than ever before utilized Child-Life services, an indication of the growing popularity of the programming, the recognition of its importance and the program’s ability to continue to expand its offerings — thanks in large part to philanthropic dollars.

Learn More

Learn more about the causes we support and the pediatric hematology-oncology program at MGHfC at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children web site.