Ashley Buckley is running for her cousin’s recovery

"They continue to fight every day to heal and make themselves stronger."

Ashley Buckley running for the BAA in 2016. Ashley Buckley

February 24, 2020

1 minute to read

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 #WhyImRunningBoston story here.

Name: Ashley Buckley
Age: 29
From: West Roxbury, Massachusetts

Ashley Buckley running for the BAA in 2016.

I am running the Boston Marathon as a member of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Stepping Strong Team! This year I am running in remembrance of my grandparents; Papa Joe, Papa Leo, and Grandma Mildred, who did their own marathons each day fighting through the dreadful disease of Alzheimer’s, heart failure, and Lewy body. Additionally, I am running in honor of my cousin Karen and her husband Jerry who are recovering from a horrific accident.

About 1 year ago I decided I was going to run the 2020 Boston Marathon for the 2nd time. I thought 2 marathons before I turn 30 would be a great achievement. The marathon also just happens to land on the anniversary of my grandfather Joe’s passing in 2013. Karen and Jerry had a life changing trauma event a few years ago in a car accident. They were brought to 2 major trauma centers in Boston, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and another major academic medical center in Boston. Fortunately, they were given a second chance by their trauma teams of nurses, doctors and other members of the patient care trauma team. They continue to fight every day to heal and make themselves stronger. Although they were both fortunate and given a second chance, their lives will never be the same. I look forward to running the Boston Marathon again. We are Boston Strong!

Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.