Lisa Burgess is running for Jeff’s Place. Here’s why.
"In July 2016, Eric Burgess, father of my four children, died unexpectedly."
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 15, 2019.
Name: Lisa Burgess
Age: 50
From: Framingham, Massachusetts
Bib #: 28518
I have tried to get a bib to run Boston for the last three years. I have only run one other marathon (Chicago 2017). I am thrilled to have been selected in the Team Framingham lottery to run the 2019 Boston Marathon and fundraise for Jeff’s Place Children’s Bereavement Center, an organization that is near and dear to my heart.
In July 2016, Eric Burgess, father of my four children, died unexpectedly. My wonderful children, who were Benjamin (15), Abby (13), Sam (11), and Maddie (9) at the time, and I began our grief journey as a family, and we are still coping with the grieving process. Shortly after Eric died we were introduced to Jeff’s Place. The people there have helped my family tremendously through this very difficult time. I do not think we would have been able to cope without the love and support of our Jeff’s Place family. Through Jeff’s Place, we have become very close with other families who can relate to our experience in a way that those who haven’t experienced immediate loss cannot. My children have had the opportunity to be with other kids who have lost a parent or a sibling and learned that they are not alone. Sadly, there are more families that need the support of Jeff’s Place than they can offer. I hope that by fundraising for them, I can help JP provide services to other families raw and hurting and so in need of the supportive community that JP embodies.
Knowing that I am helping Jeff’s Place help other grieving children and families who are just beginning their grief journey is rewarding and fulfilling. This will be the inspiration that I need to get through the next several months of grueling training.
Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.
___
Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
