Why I’m Running: Amy Comander is running Boston for her patients
"I see too many people whose journeys are unfortunately cut short."
Amy Comander.
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 on April 16, 2018. Are you running Boston? Here’s how to share your story on Boston.com.
Name: Amy Comander
Age: 43
From: Newton
Bib #: 27382
In my line of work as a breast cancer oncologist, I see too many people whose journeys are unfortunately cut short. In some quiet moments, I especially think about the patients like me — such as the women with young children — who did not get to pursue their dreams. So I am dropping everything, except for my heated mittens, to train for the life-affirming experience of crossing the finish line in Copley Square. Carpe diem! Just do it! Girl power! And what could be a better cause than running for Team Eye and Ear, to support gene therapy research to help blind children see? I am fundraising to support cutting-edge research being done at Mass. Eye and Ear, led by my physician-scientist husband, Jason Comander, MD, PhD.
You may have heard of macular degeneration, which is a major cause of blindness and vision loss in adults by causing a loss of central vision from damage to the retina. There are even more sinister, inherited forms of this disease that strike in childhood and can cause all vision to be lost. The first gene therapy for any inherited disease recently was FDA approved, and it helps blind children with such degenerating retinas to see again. After receiving this type of gene therapy, it worked so well one patient got kicked out of his school for the blind because his vision got so much better! My husband Jason and his team at Mass. Eye and Ear are developing the next generation of gene therapies, with the goal to bring such amazing breakthroughs to more of these patients. So when I roll out of bed at 5 a.m. for a training run either on my treadmill or in the snow, I think of my dear patients, and of his. Run for your dreams, and see you at the finish line!
Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.
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Editor’s note: Entries may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
