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This nurse is running Boston for MGH — and to honor her grandfather
I hope to honor my grandfather’s memory and help ensure a future where fewer families must face this devastating disease.
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: Abigail Zerbey
Age: 24
City: North Andover
I am honored and excited to be running the 2026 Boston Marathon in memory of my grandfather and in support of Massachusetts General Hospital — a place that means the world to me. MGH is where my grandfather received amazing care during his fight with pancreatic cancer, and it’s also where I’ve recently begun my career as a registered nurse on Bigelow 7.
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After my grandfather’s diagnosis, our family made countless trips to MGH for chemotherapy and other treatments. Though I was young at the time, I vividly remember the compassion, dedication, and strength shown by his care team. The nurses didn’t just care for my grandfather — they supported our entire family with empathy and hope, never giving up even during the hardest moments.
Now, as a new registered nurse at MGH, I strive every day to provide that same level of care to my patients and their loved ones. Running these 26.2 miles is my way of saying thank you to the medical team who cared for my grandfather, and to the hospital that has become such a meaningful part of my life.
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I am raising money to support the exceptional care MGH provides to patients around the world, as well as pediatric cancer research and the home base program. Through these 26.2 miles, I hope to honor my grandfather’s memory and help ensure a future where fewer families must face this devastating disease.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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