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Why I’m Running: ‘The bravest little people you will ever meet’
"I am so honored to be running 26.2 miles of this race in honor of my beautiful girl, who I am so lucky and grateful to still have."
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: Sandra Santoro
Age: 34
From: Littleton
I will be running the 2021 Boston Marathon on the Mass. General Pediatric Cancer Marathon team to raise money for Massachusetts General Hospital. They do great work for a cause that’s very close to my heart. My daughter Jane wrapped up 852 days of leukemia treatment in April 2021. I will be running the Boston Marathon on Oct. 11 in honor of Jane and for all the children and families affected by pediatric cancer.
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My run helps support programs that bring smiles and hope to the bravest little people you will ever meet. Over the course of her treatment, Jane has been paired with two Marathon runners through the patient partner program. I have looked at these runners in awe and dreamed of one day taking part myself to give back, stay connected, and as a way of healing after going through this experience as a mom.
I have been her “patient partner” in other ways, sleeping with her in her hospital bed, holding her as she goes under anesthesia, driving her to the ER in the middle of the night — we have gone through a lot together. I am so honored to be running 26.2 miles of this race in honor of my beautiful girl, who I am so lucky and grateful to still have.
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Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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