My name is Bob Hanscom and I live in Andover, Mass.  On April 16th, I am running in the 2012 Boston Marathon for only one reason -- to raise funds to support the Schwartz Center's push for greater compassion in healthcare.  

Eleven years ago, I donated a kidney to my close friend, Jeff Wdow, whose battle several years earlier with osteosarcoma had unfortunately led to kidney failure.  Today, Jeff is thriving.  Despite a prosthetic leg and a donated organ, Jeff has participated in the PanMass bike race for two consecutive years, and is doing so again this year.  His example has been a huge inspiration to me and has prompted me to ask what I can do.  

Even though I don't ride bikes very well, I do run.  And, even though it's a stretch goal, I know I can conquer the Boston Marathon.

The Schwartz Center is an organization that's important to me.  Even though medicine can be technically delivered with great expertise and excellence, the Schwartz Center recognized many years ago that if it's done without compassion, it will be found to be lacking.

Here's a little about them:

The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare is a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the relationship between patients and caregivers.   Their pioneering programs: 

• promote compassion and empathy
• improve communication between caregivers and patients
• enhance spiritual caregiving as well as palliative and end-of-life care
• influence caregiver training
• encourage the dissemination of best practices
• empower patients and families

The Schwartz Center is housed at Massachusetts General Hospital but all funds raised will directly support Schwartz Center programs. 

I am honored to be one of three (along with Simon Axten and Colleen McDonald) running for the Schwartz Center.  This is the third marathon that I've run, but the first two were over 30 years ago.  Nonetheless, I'm training by running 20 miles a week, and am determined to do this. Even if I have to crawl over the finish line, I will complete all 26.2 miles...