Aparna Raj Parikh is running Boston for Colin’s Joy Project
"Colin's Joy Project fulfills their mission to bring joy to families the way Colin brought joy to all who knew him."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.
Name: Aparna Raj Parikh
Age: 41
From: Newton
As an adult oncologist, professionally and personally, I am acutely aware of the privilege of everyday life and the ability to have health of mind, body, and spirit. When the opportunity arose to give a try at my first (yes, my very first!) marathon with Colin’s Joy Project, I decided the time was now. Carpe diem, as they say!
I will tell you a little bit about my friendship with Colin’s mother, Kerri before telling you Colin’s story. My husband I both met Kerri independently when we interviewed at Massachusetts General Hospital circa 2008. We both felt that Kerri played a large part in our choosing MGH and Kerri continued to be such a positive force over our years at MGH. Kerri radiated and continues to radiate joy, the same way her sweet son Colin did and does.
Colin McGrath was killed in 2018 after being struck by a car on his way home from a wonderful day in the park. His life was full of love, laughter, curiosity. Colin lived every minute of his life to the fullest. His laughing eyes, beautiful curls, hilarious voice, and sense of adventure will never be forgotten. His smile made everyone’s heart happy and reminds me so much of our little girls.
Since Colin’s death, the McGrath family started a donor-advised fund with the Boston Foundation, called Colin’s Joy Project. The mission of Colin’s Joy Project is to enhance play spaces and sponsor children and family programming in the South Boston and surrounding communities. Colin’s Joy Project has several active play space projects in development in South Boston inspired by Colin’s Creativity Squad, an initiative that engages children in the community to design their own exciting, creative play spaces.
Colin’s Joy Project has also formed multiple community partnerships to which they have donated over $1.2M in the last 5 years! Through these partnerships, Colin’s Joy Project fulfills their mission to bring joy to families the way Colin brought joy to all who knew him.
Colin, Kerri, Brendan, Sloane and now little Miles continue to inspire me every single day.
So I am running for them. I am also running in memory of my two marathon’ing/iron man’ing cousins Justin and Vik, who both passed away over the last couple years and both of whom I would have so loved to share this adventure with.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address