Each month, we ask people from across the Brigham to answer a question for our “Look Who’s Talking” feature in CRN. This month we are asking those running on the Brigham’s 2019 Stepping Strong Marathon Team: Why do you run?

“I was a competitive lightweight rower in college and have always loved being part of a team. Here at the Brigham, I get to work with an incredible research team in Vascular Surgery, but I also wanted a team to train with as I prepared for Boston this year. After attending the 2018 Trauma Research and Innovation Symposium and seeing firsthand the innovative projects that are funded through The Stepping Strong Center, I decided to join the team and run my first Boston Marathon in support of those who can’t step up to the start line on their own.” – Jack Ruske, Research Assistant, Department of Vascular Surgery

“One major goal that I’ve had since beginning my career in health care is to find ways to impact patients and patient care directly. When I first learned about the Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation and Gillian’s story last fall, I knew that I wanted to apply for the team and raise money for such a great cause. I want to give back to the incredible community that I am so proud to call myself a part of, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than by raising money for the Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation.” – Michael McKernan, Data Coordinator, Department of Trauma, Burns and Critical Care

“I began running after graduating from college to continue to set goals and challenge myself. I have always loved being part of a team and training for the Boston Marathon has given me the opportunity to be part of a truly dedicated, passionate and selfless one. I am running for the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Marathon team to support my brave and resilient friend and all others whose lives have been affected by trauma. I hope that the awareness and funds I raise can help improve the lives of trauma victims and expand their network of support.” – Carrie Copacino, Research Assistant, Department of Anesthesiology Perioperative and Pain Medicine

“I’m in the Plastic Surgery clinic, so I work directly with a lot of the doctors whose innovative research is supported by Stepping Strong, including E.J. Caterson, MD, PhD, Bodhan Pomahac, MD, and Indranil Sinha, MD. It is a privilege to see how far they are willing to go to provide even greater care for their patients. They don’t actually talk a lot about their research in clinic, so I was excited to have the chance to go the Stepping Strong research symposium a couple months ago and learn more about their projects. It’s incredible what they’re doing, but they’re limited by funds and resources. I really appreciate having the opportunity to help in any way I can, and it means a lot to me to be part of the marathon team and see its impact in the clinic firsthand.” – Sameera Mathan, Medical Assistant, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

“This year, I run for our patients as part of the Stepping Strong team. There are so many incredibly dedicated people working to make life better for our patients —the care teams in our inpatient units and outpatient clinics, the translational researchers searching for innovative solutions to previously unanswerable questions, and the fundraising teams that work tirelessly to make this research possible. It is never a matter of what needs to be done to check a box, but rather what can be done to know that we have truly given our best effort. This attitude defines not only the Brigham but also the Reny family and the entire Stepping Strong team. It is contagious and will stay with me throughout the 26.2 miles.”  – Dan Loriaux, MD, Resident, Internal Medicine