Cindy Aiena, Child-Life Program/Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MGHfC, Boston Marathon


From Cindy Aiena:

In two short months I will be running in my ninth Boston Marathon.  Last year, thanks to you, we raised almost $7000 to support research and programs for Pediatric cancer.  And despite all the efforts, the war rages on, not yet won. But we are making great strides and there are successes every day – a child’s smile, breakthroughs in research, improved prognoses.  That’s why I remain proud and committed to running for MGH.  And trust me, with this winter, it takes that to keep going!!  But these kids didn’t choose their challenge.  They don’t get snow days as a break from the day to day struggle and they don’t get to decide that it’s just too hard.

One of the programs that impresses me so much that you are helping to fund is the Child-Life Program within the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MGHfC. “The program utilizes therapeutic play — including music and art therapy, massage and acupuncture — to help pediatric cancer patients and their families cope emotionally and developmentally with their illnesses. This year, more patients than ever before utilized Child-Life services, an indication of the growing popularity of the programming, the recognition of its importance and the program’s ability to continue to expand its offerings — thanks in large part to philanthropic dollars.”  Delivering care to treat the physical disease is one thing and MGH is one of the best.  They go the extra distance, however, recognizing the holistic impact that the disease has on patients, their parents, siblings and other family members.  Those services however aren’t covered by insurance and yet they
are so key in the fight to get better.  Your support of this program and my efforts have meant so much to me over the years.  You are a dedicated group I have come to count on year after year.  I am so grateful for all the emotional and financial support over the years.

This year’s race is April 20th.  I hope that the snow has melted by that time but by no means confident!!

Please click on the link below and make your donation today.  Every dollar counts.  Training is ramping up so you will hear more from me in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,
Cindy

https://www.crowdrise.com/massgeneralboston2015/fundraiser/cindyaiena


Jeffrey

About Jeffrey

Jeffrey currently holds coaching certifications from both USA Triathlon and USA Cycling has been an endurance athlete for the past 25 years. He began rowing for the University of Massachusetts and continued that passion training for a spot on the national team. Along the way he won numerous national championships and two gold medals at the 1995 Olympic Festival. After ending his rowing career he pursued racing bikes and running. This soon led him to the sport of triathlon. His first triathlon was Ironman Lake Placid in 2005, which he has since done every year since. He has qualified for the Ironman World Championships the past five years.  Jeffrey and his wife, Samantha, have three young girls, Eva, Elia, and Camilla. He knows the time constraints that the “real world” places upon an athlete and how to maximize your precious time.

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