Boston Marathon

Tim Sullivan is running Boston to fight child cancer

"I’m grateful for the support I’ve received thus far to enhance quality of life for these families."

By Alex Svenson

1 minute to read

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.

Name: Tim Sullivan
Age: 55
From: Marblehead

I’m running my tenth consecutive Boston Marathon to raise funds for Mass. General’s pediatric cancer care.

I’m also running to celebrate two amazing young women; my daughter’s dear friend, Megan Sheehy and family friend, Sophia Maglione, who lived incredible lives of hope before reaching the limits for their cancer treatments in their early teens.

My original plan was to run once, inspired by Megan who organized a fundraiser for patients at MGH while still a patient herself!

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Upon meeting her caregivers, I was struck by how deeply they cared for her and her parents, and I’ve since come to know the exceptional value MGH provides to all families, including Sophia and her parents whom I met as MGH teammates in 2018.

Through cutting-edge expert treatment and compassionate and complete care for the whole family, this powerful combination sparks so much hope, and guides families through the darkest of days.

With so little known about the causes of childhood cancer and so few resources dedicated to developing new treatments specifically for children, I’m grateful for the support I’ve received thus far to enhance quality of life for these families.

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Funds go directly to clinical and laboratory research in childhood cancer, as well as supportive care programs like art and music therapy, parent/teen/sibling support groups,; and child life specialists helping patients cope with illness and treatment.

Your donations push the boundaries for pediatric cancer care and get us closer to the promise of cures… true finish line!

Since both Megan and Sophia were avid music lovers, I enjoy creating a music video for my campaign each year with my daughter.

Please check out our new music video for 2024!

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

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