‘To catch Teri when she falls’: Why Noah Jakimo is running Boston for MGH
Noah Jakimo's wife, Teri, ran nearly every day since high school. Now, he is running Boston to raise funds for MGH to support Teri's care team.
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: Noah Jakimo
Age: 37
From: Cambridge
My wife, Teri, was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease at the beginning of 2024. We feel fortunate for her care team and others at MGH that have given us much emotional and medical relief. It is an honor to express our gratitude by fundraising with MGH’s Boston Marathon team. Your donation can help support emergency care, pediatric oncology, and veteran services at MGH.
Since Teri’s freshman year of high school, she has been waking up early to run — 5 days a week for the past 25 years. Living in Boston and Cambridge since August 2012, the Esplanade has been her main route. The past several years I have done my best to not miss a run because of the immense joy of running together, but also to catch Teri when she falls. One of these falls required a diversion to the ER at MGH for stitches. Teri remained unshaken and continued to run for many more years. In October of 2024, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to conclude her running streak due to her frequent tumbles. Physical therapy at MGH Spaulding gives us hope to keep Teri strong and active in new ways.
The Boston Marathon has personal significance for us. In 2013, our first Boston Marathon experience, we were walking along Boylston street towards the finish line when the first explosion went off two blocks away, followed quickly by the visible fireball of the second explosion one block away. Teri fell down as we rushed towards Mass. Ave., and trampling added to our panic as I picked her up from the sidewalk. We felt lucky to return home safely. MGH and first responders rushed in to take care of those less fortunate and then led us all in feeling Boston Strong.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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