As many of you know, 10 years ago my wife, Nikki, was only a few weeks pregnant with our first child when she suffered a severe cerebellar hemorrhage.  Her condition went undiagnosed for several days and she ultimately had only hours to live when she underwent emergency brain surgery.  We didn’t know if Nikki would survive, if the baby would survive, or what condition either would be in if they did.  June 4, 2002 still remains one of the longest, scariest, and most impactful nights of my life as Nikki underwent hours of surgery.

Fortunately, thanks to Nikki’s bravery and the remarkable work of her doctors, the story has a very happy ending.  Nikki survived the surgery and, with characteristic determination and strength, has recovered with only a few lingering effects.  The baby survived as well and is now our beautiful 9-year-old daughter, Schuyler.  While there were some risks, we’ve gone on to have 3 more wonderful children – Chad, Brooke, and Sam.  Needless to say, after 10 years we have an enormous amount for which to be grateful.

In celebration of this anniversary and in honor of Nikki’s bravery, I’ve decided to run the Boston Marathon this spring and raise funds for the hospital whose doctors got us through all these medical challenges – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  For those of you not familiar with BIDMC, it is one of Boston’s (and the world’s) finest medical institutions and their teams of neurosurgeons, neurologists, OB-GYNs, and nurses have seen our family through a tremendous amount with skill, care, and dignity.  I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient of funds raised in Nikki’s name.

I humbly ask for your support in this effort, because it will surely be that – an effort!  I first ask you for your moral support, as Nikki will surely think her husband is crazy by about mid-February.  In addition, please consider a gift to this campaign which can be done by clicking the “Donate” button above.

Thank you all for the friendship, caring, and support you have shown our family over many years and thank you in advance for considering a gift to this Marathon fundraising effort.  And for those of you who are neighbors, if you see me out on the roads in Wayland training, give a honk to tell me to move it!  I look forward to keeping you posted on our progress in the months to come.

Marshall