Why I’m Running: ‘Knowing I’m doing it for Aidan inspires me to keep going’
Kristen Goodhue is running the 2024 Boston Marathon for Miracles for Miles with the Boston Children's Hospital.
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: Kristen Goodhue
Age: 36
From: Longmeadow
Running the Boston Marathon has been a bucket list item for me. It was my goal to run it before I turned 40. I wanted to run for a charity I was passionate about. I am a single mom to three boys ages six, four and three. My three-year-old Aidan has been followed by Boston Children’s since he was two months old.
Aidan was born with a lymphatic malformation behind his eye. He is on medication to prevent the mass from growing. Through lab work, Aidan’s team realized he had more going on. In June 2023, Aidan was diagnosed with combined variable immune deficiency disorder. Aidan now gets monthly IVIG infusions to help strengthen his immune system.
I knew running for Boston Children’s in honor of Aidan was something I needed to try. I applied and was accepted as a charity runner for Boston Children’s. The training has been grueling, especially finding childcare for every run. But knowing I’m doing it for Aidan, inspires me to keep going.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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