Boston Marathon

Why I’m Running: ‘I’m thrilled to represent Hospitality Homes’

Marc Volpe is running for Hospitality Homes, an organization that helps patients travel to Boston for healthcare.

By Claudie Bellanger

2 minutes to read

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. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Marc Volpe
Age: 49
From: Hingham, Mass.

I am running for Hospitality Homes, an amazing local charity which provides housing to patients and families that travel to Boston for critical care at our world class hospitals. I’ve run the Falmouth Road race for Hospitality Homes for the past several years, and this year I’m thrilled to be able to represent Hospitality Homes in a race that, as a Boston native, I’ve always wanted to run, the Boston Marathon.

Advertisement:

I’m fortunate to live within driving distance of some of the most amazing medical facilities in the world. Many people don’t have this privilege. Often, Hospitality Homes helps patients who have exhausted all other options and are making a trip to Boston as a last resort to receive life-saving treatment. I can’t express this better than one of our guest families put it in a supportive note: “I am in awe of the incredible challenge you are undertaking both to honor my daughter and her struggles, but also for the incredible work that Hospitality Homes, is doing that saves lives, changes lives, and honors the humanity of a family when they have given all they can give, [and] are coming to Boston as a last resort for desperately needed care.”

Advertisement:

Last year, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. Thanks in large part to the medical care that he has been fortunate to have access to, his cancer was caught early, and his prognosis is positive. Other than battling Boston traffic (no easy feat but also not nearly as daunting as an expensive journey to an unfamiliar city), it has been easy for us to seek treatment at Dana-Farber. As I reflect on this experience, I am thankful to have access to such care, and my involvement with Hospitality Homes allows me to share that privilege with others.

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

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com