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This pediatric nurse is running Boston to support children with cancer
"These efforts make a child’s time in our clinic not just bearable but truly enriching."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.
Name: Megan Murphy Flood
Age: 48
From: Andover
People often wonder why I choose to run the marathon, and for me, the answer is clear. I run to raise funds for a cause that is incredibly meaningful to me: pediatric cancer. As a nurse working closely with young patients and their families every day at the MGH pediatric hematology/oncology clinic, I witness firsthand the challenges they face during some of the toughest moments of their lives. It’s truly inspiring to see the strength, love, and beauty that shine through even in the hardest times.
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But my motivation deepened on the day after Christmas in 2025, when a dear friend and colleague, Caroline, received heartbreaking news. Her 18-month-old son, Reece, was diagnosed with disseminated b-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. I remember sitting with Caroline at work every day for nine months as she carried sweet Reece. I was privileged to hold him on the day he was born, and I cherish the stories about him and his brother Camden. In our clinic, we nurses often feel like aunties to our colleagues’ children, sharing in their joys, hardships, and milestones.
Though I know cancer can touch anyone’s life, I was stunned by this diagnosis, especially for someone as devoted as Caroline. She has dedicated her life to pediatric oncology and is one of the most compassionate, skilled nurses I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside. Her patients and their families admire her, and she embodies kindness in every interaction. No parent or family member should have to witness their child battling such a dreadful disease.
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At the MGH pediatric hematology/oncology clinic, we strive to offer personalized and loving care through our remarkable team of oncologists, nurses, and child life specialists. Our comprehensive approach includes multiple disciplines like social work, psychiatry, and integrative therapies. However, the vital services we provide, like music and art therapy, and groundbreaking research, are only made possible through the generous funding from marathon fundraising. These efforts make a child’s time in our clinic not just bearable but truly enriching, and they significantly enhance treatments and outcomes for these brave young fighters.
Reece truly needs our support, and so does Caroline and her family. As we come together to uplift them during this challenging time, I feel inspired to take one more step to ensure that Reece gets through the next two and a half years of treatment while experiencing the many positive aspects that the clinic provides.
This year, I will be running the Boston Marathon in honor of all the children and families whose lives have been touched by the MGH pediatric hematology/oncology clinic. Let’s show them our love and support!
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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