Racing for impact

For sophomore Jack Griffin, running the Boston Marathon isn’t just about completing a race, "it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of families facing the unimaginable challenges of cancer.” He and 19 others are raising money for organizations like the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, IMPACT Melanoma, and The Family Reach Foundation, while dedicating their races to loved ones impacted by cancer and other diseases.

Junior Grace Petrick and sophomore Anna Quinn are running on behalf of an organization near and dear to their hearts: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. “They’ve given me a community of Littles and BC students that I am so grateful for,” said Petrick of the mentoring program, which has a Boston College chapter. “I love running around with my Little every week—she keeps me active whether we’re playing basketball, soccer, or tag.” 

Sophomore Nicholas Stec was initially drawn to the Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center because of its acronym (it matches his last name!) but after reading about its mission, he was hooked. He's already surpassed his $7,500 fundraising goal for the afterschool program, which provides free and low-cost tennis lessons, academics, and life skills programming to underserved Boston youth. “As a lifelong tennis player, I know how many important lessons you can learn about yourself and about life on the court,” Stec said.

Senior Annabelle Beaton had personal reasons for selecting the Brigham and Women's Hospital Stepping Strong Center for her charity. As the daughter, granddaughter, and niece of veterans who has also lost a loved one to suicide, Beaton is familiar with the complex physical and emotional effects of trauma. "The Stepping Strong Center represents strength, courage, resilience, compassion, and hope for trauma survivors," she said. "I am so proud to run in honor and memory of those who cannot."

When senior Emilia Boggs joined the Flutie Foundation’s marathon team, she thought her only BC connection would be the football legend himself. But at a team event in Southie, she met a member of the foundation who has autism and happens to work at BC’s popular Hillside Cafe. “It is incredible to see what he has accomplished through the Flutie Foundation,” said Boggs. “We get lunch once a week after his shift and I could not be more grateful for our new friendship.”