Amy Comander is running Boston for The Ellie Fund
"I am grateful for my own health and the opportunity to run my eleventh Boston to support my patients and the Ellie Fund."
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: Amy Comander
Age: 49
From: Chestnut Hill
I am thrilled that on April 15, I will run my eleventh consecutive Boston Marathon in support of the Ellie Fund, a non-profit organization that provides essential support for those receiving treatment for breast cancer in Massachusetts.
As a breast oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center, I have been proud to serve on the board of the Ellie Fund since 2020. This year, I am honored to run the Boston Marathon in honor of a remarkable source of inspiration, my dear patient Lynne. Lynne’s journey began with a diagnosis of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer in 2016. Her diagnosis occurred at a challenging time — she was in her 30s, with two young children, ages 3 and 5.
Lynne has displayed extraordinary courage as she has navigated multiple treatments for her brain metastasis, including neurosurgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Currently, Lynne is thriving as she continues to receive HER2-directed therapy.
In the face of her illness, Lynne’s resilience and strength shine brightly. Her incredible spirit not only uplifts her husband Mike, her two children, supportive family, friends, and co-workers, but also serves as an inspiration for me, her oncologist, and the entire healthcare team.
The mission of the Ellie Fund is to support individuals like Lynne, in order to ease the stressors of everyday life, allowing the focus to be on family, recovery, and healing. Services provided by the Ellie Fund include: providing transportation to medical appointments, nutritional and grocery assistance, childcare reimbursement, nutritious prepared/delivered meals, and integrative therapy services.
I am grateful for my own health and the opportunity to run my eleventh Boston to support my patients and the Ellie Fund. In the words of Amby Burfoot, “Every mile out there is a gift and every finish line is a gift.”
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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