"In 2007, I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare bone marrow failure disorder. Thanks to treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, I was able to return to Boston College to complete my junior year. Unfortunately, I relapsed and developed a secondary marrow failure disorder shortly after completing graduate school. My only option was a bone marrow transplant, which I received on March 23, 2011. I am now the Associate Director of Workforce Communications at Dana-Farber, where I have the privilege of sharing the stories that make this organization so special: the research advances, the patient successes, the innovative new programs, our extraordinary staff, and so much more. There aren't words to convey the impact Dana-Farber has had on my life. Thanks to their outstanding care and research, I've enjoyed 15 beautiful years. In 2026, I'm running the Boston Marathon (for the third time) in celebration of the 15th anniversary of my bone marrow transplant." - Mary Taber McCarthy ’08 | Learn about more Eagles who ran the marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"Fast Feet means a lot to me because it represents inclusion, opportunity, and community through movement. I truly believe every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves the chance to be active, build confidence, and feel like they belong. Physical activity has played a huge role in my own life, and Fast Feet creates that same sense of joy and empowerment for kids who might not otherwise have access to it. Being able to support a mission that promotes equity, friendship, and lifelong healthy habits is incredibly meaningful to me." - Andrew Vo '26 | Learn about more Eagles running the Boston Marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"The New England Patriots Foundation is especially meaningful to me, personally and athletically. As someone who has always looked to strong female role models for inspiration, Myra Kraft stands out as a woman whose values deeply resonate with my own. Her diverse commitment to philanthropy, the arts, children, and women’s athletics reflects the balance I strive for in my life. Growing up watching Boston sports, I developed a deep appreciation for the Patriots and the pride they bring to our city, making this opportunity feel incredibly full circle. "One of my best Mile 21 memories is standing on the sidelines and watching some of my BC women’s club soccer teammates run by while I cheered them on. Seeing people I train and compete with push through such a hard stretch of the race was incredibly inspiring. Mile 21 is where the energy really matters, and being able to support my teammates there—calling their names, celebrating their strength—made Marathon Monday feel especially meaningful. Coming back this year to do it again feels like continuing a tradition rooted in team support and showing up for each other." - Ella Crerar '28, one of the BC community members running the Boston Marathon for charity | LEARN MORE: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"Running the Boston Marathon for the Boston Public Library means pushing myself to the absolute limit for an institution that stands at the heart of what makes this city great. Libraries are more than buildings full of books—they're democratic spaces where anyone, regardless of background, can access knowledge, opportunity, and community. Every mile I run represents my belief that literacy and education should be available to all and that the BPL's work in our community deserves our sweat, our effort, and our support. Crossing that finish line won't just be a personal achievement; it'll be a statement that I'm willing to give everything I have for the values that bind us together as Bostonians!" - Charlie Coughlin '26 | Learn about more Eagles running the marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"As a special education teacher at Wellesley High School, it means a great deal to me to run for the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation, an organization that has provided many of my students with funds to attend college. I have taught in Wellesley for 23 years, and I am so excited to help support an organization as they continue to do such great work!" - Marian Derryberry M.Ed. '95 | Learn about more Eagles running the Boston Marathon for charity: https://on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"I am dedicating my run to my sister, Julia, and to every family who loves and supports someone with special needs. Every mile I run represents the strength, resilience, and love that families like ours show every day. This run is a way to honor Julia and to help ensure that other families have access to the same meaningful support and opportunities that Camp Fatima has given us. "Camp Fatima gave Julia something every child deserves: a place where she is fully included, supported, and celebrated. Julia has multiple disabilities, and like many families, we searched for an environment where she could safely build independence, confidence, and friendships. Camp Fatima provides that experience completely free of charge through dedicated one-on-one volunteers. Beyond supporting Julia, Camp Fatima offers families like ours peace of mind and respite, knowing their loved one is cared for with dignity and compassion. Supporting this organization allows more individuals with special needs to experience joy and belonging while easing the emotional and financial burden on their families." - Tyler de Grandpré '26, who is running the Boston Marathon to raise money for Camp Fatima & Camp Bernadette | Learn about more Eagles running the boston marathon for charity: https://on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"The Livefitarmy Run Club has truly become like a family to me. The members' support has meant so much throughout my journey. From training for my first 10K to completing a half marathon and now preparing for the 130th Boston Marathon, it all feels surreal. It’s the encouragement, connection, and inspiring stories within LFA that keep me going and push me to continue challenging myself. The LFA has taught me the true meaning of being '1% BETTER' each and every day." - Mercy Lopez Najera '27, who is the running the Boston Marathon on Monday | Learn about more Eagles running for the Marathon: https://on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

“Kairos made it real for me that I have something to offer. People appreciated my experiences. The relatability aspect is important, too. As humans, we all go through similar stuff and being able to open up with one another is underrated; we don’t do it enough. I feel like many times we have surface-level, basic conversations with our friends and we’re not even really checking in on them in the ways we should. Kairos showed me that I can be impactful and make a difference by sharing my experiences.” - Brian Davids '27, the 2026 MLK Scholarship recipient | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/BDavids

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the University in this new capacity, and I am so appreciative of the dedicated and talented ITS team that I have worked with these past 13 years. Since I arrived at Boston College, my focus has been on providing the essential technology and services to our incredible faculty, students, and staff. I look forward to strengthening our relationships and working together to fulfill the University’s mission." - Scott Cann, named Vice President for Information Technology Services | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/ScottCann

"A lot of what I do involves mediating different perspectives and helping people see eye to eye. There’s a quote on perspective that’s always stuck with me: 'We don’t see the world as it is; we see it as we are.' It’s fascinating to see the way people can interpret the exact same situation so differently. As a woman in a male-dominated field, it can be easy to fall into the narrative that people are doing things to you because of who you are. And sometimes that might be true. But not always. More often than not, people are just operating from their own lens. Their own experiences, biases, and blind spots. So I try to remind myself to give people the benefit of the doubt and to not take everything so personally. Because if we see the world as we are, then I choose to see it in a positive light. My advice is know your worth and be confident in your abilities, but don’t filter every interaction through the assumption that it’s personal. Someone else’s opinion of you usually says more about them than it ever will about you." - Paige Moshier '20, Coordinator for Process & Integration for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Coaching and Player Development department

“I’ve had the experience of deep suffering, but the difference is I had community, family, mentorship, and trauma support—and because of all these different resources, I got some healing. That's what I feel called to share. What would it look like if we equipped these young adults in Guatemala, as they're aging out of orphanages, with resources? With safe housing? With authentic community and mentoring? The only two requirements of being in Robles are that you’re coming from an orphanage and you have the willingness to pursue either education or a vocation.” - Kathy Barthelmes ’88, the co-founder of Robles de Justicia, a nonprofit designed to empower teenagers aging out of orphanages in Guatemala | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/KathyBarthelmes

“I started skating when I was six years old, and I joined The Skating Club of Boston about 11 years ago, in their Theatre on Ice program. The Club has done so much for me and been such a constant source of support. The coaches, the team moms, the managers—everyone is just super supportive, always recognizes you as a person, all that stuff. After the plane crash in January, I really wanted to do something for them, so I reached out to the directors and told them about my idea of tying the Club’s Always Champions campaign with the marathon’s charity program. They loved the idea.” - Jasmine Lanata ’28, who is running the 2026 Boston Marathon to benefit the Skating Club of Boston | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/JasmineLanata