Laura Yavanian is running for Winchester Hospital’s special care nursery

"Winchester Hospital has been near and dear to my heart through the years in the care I received myself, and my family."

Laura Yavanian is running in the Boston Marathon on the Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) Team.

February 20, 2025

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In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.

Name: Laura Yavanian
Age: 54
From: Stoneham

I am so excited to be running the Boston Marathon for the first time. I am on the Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) Team of 80 passionate runners. As part of Team BILH, I am raising funds specifically for Winchester Hospital’s special care nursery fund.

Winchester Hospital has been near and dear to my heart through the years in the care I received myself, and my family. We are forever grateful for this high-quality care in the 50+ years we have lived in the community.

Running the Boston Marathon has been a dream of mine for many years! I have completed several 5K, 10K, and half marathon races in Massachusetts. I am proud to run as a BILH runner, as this is my opportunity to help Winchester Hospital’s special care nursery provide advanced medical care and exceptional family support in a warm and caring environment.

With my fundraising commitment as a runner on Team BILH, my goal is $9,500. Every single donation, no matter how big or small, gets me one step closer to this goal and makes a difference in the lives of newborns, parents, and families.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.