John Benda is running to support military families through the Fisher House
"I am extremely proud to be running in support of my fellow service members."
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: CDR John Benda
Age: 40
From: Holliston, Massachusetts
I’m running the Boston Marathon this year for Charity Teams and specifically the Fisher House of Boston. As an active duty Naval Officer living locally, I have seen firsthand the amazing things their organization does for the active duty military community and their families. The Fisher House of Boston is a home away from home where our military families can stay while a loved one is receiving in-house treatment at one of the world renowned Boston medical centers. Any veteran or active military personnel, wartime or peacetime, coming from anywhere in the country, is eligible to have a loved one stay at a Fisher House, like the one built on the VA Center in West Roxbury near where I grew up, or be placed in a hotel conveniently located next to the hospital. The challenges I’m facing while training or will face while I’m running the race are nothing compared to the stresses military families feel when dealing with an illness and its financial consequences. The Fisher House enables family members to be close to loved ones at the most stressful times when it would otherwise be untenable, a vital aspect of treatment and recovery. I am extremely proud to be running in support of my fellow service members. Thank you, Fisher House!
Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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