Updates:

I have been accepted as a patient partner with the pediatric oncology program at MGH. Your donations are greatly appreciated for programs to support Saraah's fight as well as the fight of countless children afflicted with cancer. 

YouTube Promo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJBtpm6zE78&feature=share

The Houston Chronicle
http://www.chron.com/sports/outdoors/article/Running-notebook-Houston-runner-finds-inspiring-3475895.php#src=fb

MGH Website:
http://www.massgeneral.org/marathon/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=3419

The Good News Network
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/most-popular/runner-becomes-oncologist-after-losing-dad.html

The Kingwood Observer
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/kingwood/news/former-kingwood-resident-prepares-for-boston-marathon/article_19b51bce-4a31-5020-86b0-be8d6c6e1213.html
 

About Me: 

My name is Jenna and I am running for the Mass General Marathon Team in the 2012 Boston Marathon! 

My inspiration for running has always been to help fund cancer research and to run in memory of my late father Henry who lost his battle in 2007. His amazing life and dedicated hard work have inspired my to pursue a career in oncology (moving from Texas to Boston to do so!). My father truly believed that "life was a journey and not a destination" and I hope to honor that memory with every marathon I can run, Coming soon, you can check out the Team Henry website at www.henryskids.org.

To date I've raised $500 for the American Cancer Society, $1000 for the TK Foundation, and now I'm asking for your help to raise a huge $5000 for a cause I truly believe in. Supporting pediatric hematology and oncology is one of the things worth fighting for; I urge you to donate anything you can to this wonderful cause.

I'll be updating the page regularly, so please check in (and donate) often!
 

Thank you so much for your support and love!
- Jenna ("The Jennarator")

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MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL:

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.