This nurse practitioner is running Boston for her brother
"Bringing awareness to such an important cause has become such a huge part of who I am."
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: Alexandra Sorrentino
Age: 31
From: Charlestown
I’m running for the Mass General pediatric oncology team in memory of my brother Robert, who my family lost to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2000 at age four. The pediatric oncology program offers multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and family-centered care to children with all types of cancer. Bringing awareness to such an important cause has become such a huge part of who I am.
I now have the privilege of being a nurse practitioner at the MGH Cancer Center. I have seen firsthand the resources that Marathon fundraising provides and it is truly incredible. I’m running in honor of all those who are touched by cancer each day — for all of the children who spend holidays admitted to the hospital, those who will never get to see the first day of kindergarten or high school, and all of the life milestones in between that cancer takes. It is a little piece of each patient, family member, and friend that gives me the motivation to make the outcome different for others. I run for all of my patients, for a world without cancer, and especially in honor of my brother.
This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com