He’s running the Boston Marathon to honor the memory of his late mother
"What has kept me motivated in her absence are the amazing stories that people have relayed to me, the ways in which my mom impacted their lives."
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: Gregory Gonzales
Age: 41
Location: Melrose, Mass.
I am running the Boston Marathon to thank Massachusetts General Hospital for the love and support they have shown me. My mother, Mary Jo Gonzales, was a nurse practitioner in the Pediatric Oncology department at MGH for 20 years. She was incredibly devoted to her patients and dedicated her life to helping sick kids in need.
Two years ago, she passed away. My mom was my best friend. In the time since her passing, her MGH family showered mine with support and love. They’ve made it clear that my mom’s legacy will not be forgotten. They introduced the “Mary J. Gonzales Excellence in Nursing Award,” and a former patient created a legacy scholarship in her name.
What has kept me motivated in her absence are the amazing stories that people have relayed to me, the ways in which my mom impacted their lives. Mary Jo always treated her patients as if they were her own. By running the Boston Marathon, I am giving back to the hospital and the people who have helped me so much during this difficult time.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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