Running the Boston Marathon for BHCHP (pt.2)

Camille Abraham, 5th Boston Marathon

I began running during high school to stay in shape between sporting seasons. It also gave me an opportunity to spend time with my dad, who also shares a love of running. I chose BHCHP because it was a great opportunity to represent my employer and help raise awareness about our program.

One of the most interesting aspects of BHCHP’s work is the wide variety of of healthcare services that we offer our patients. From street medicine to respite care and everything in between.We are able to provide services to a population that often faces numerous challenges including lack of stable housing, mental health and substance use issues.

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Supporting people experiencing homelessness and building awareness of their challenges is crucial. Every individual
deserves access to basic human needs, including shelter, food, and healthcare. Supporting those experiencing homelessness is a matter of compassion and basic human rights. Also by addressing the healthcare needs of this population, we
contribute to public health efforts in preventing the spread of diseases and improving overall community well-being.

Naomi Alter, 1st Boston Marathon

I was first introduced to running in high school, when I was a member of my school’s track team. I enjoyed it then, but I didn’t truly develop a love for running until I was a sophomore in college. I rediscovered it as a sport to challenge myself and better myself physically and mentally. I ran my first marathon this fall, and I loved it. The training, the process, the sense of accomplishment and pride. I was hooked, and there is no race that I feel is more iconic than the Boston Marathon.

Having a personal connection to BHCHP is what makes running the Boston Marathon so much more special. For almost two years now, I have been a staff at the program. There is no nonprofit that I would be prouder to represent than BHCHP, an organization that I know genuinely does such fantastic work.

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While on staff at BHCHP, I have learned how humanizing health care services can be to those who lack it. I have seen how the amazing work of my colleagues can transform people’s lives and has real-time implications. This work is extremely important and there is no organization with the same reach and capacity to do this work as BHCHP. I have also learned how much of a community effort it is to provide comprehensive care for those who lack it. BHCHP is more than just a few clinical professionals – it is made up of a dedicated staff of physicians, nurses, behavioral health professionals, case managers, etc. It is this breadth of care that makes the work of BHCHP so successful.

Chantal DeWolfe, 2nd Boston Marathon

I have always been athletic, with my main sport being fencing from youth through college. After college I started running on a regular basis and found great enjoyment in it.

The Boston Marathon has always been inspiring to watch from the side lines since I was young. I was so fortunate to run it in 2013 but was stopped short 1 mile from the finish due to the Boston Marathon bombings. Since then, I’ve been hoping to run again. I’m so fortunate I have the opportunity to run this marathon in 2025 and to support such an important cause. This year will be special to have my son experience the amazing spirit of the marathon and learn about the importance of helping others in need.

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As a medical student, I volunteered with the organization. And I joined Team BHCHP because I am inspired by the organization’s mission and ongoing work to provide essential services to such a vulnerable population. I am impressed by BHCHP’s collaborative team of dedicated providers who are able to provide a safety net for people in need. Their collaboration with community partners to provide comprehensive care is also impressive. It is important to shine light on such a vulnerable population and bring awareness to their stories and hardships.

Jana Pruitt, 1st Boston Marathon

I have been running with my mom and dad since I can remember. I kept it up because I enjoyed it. My mom and I would find lost animals on the trails or look at unique architecture during our long runs. My specialty was the 5K. I had wanted to run the Boston Marathon last year but did not have the mentality I did as this year. This will be my very first marathon!

Working at BHCHP, I am committed to raise funds for my patients with the goal of 40k. These people are my beloved patients! Our patients are some of the sweetest people I know. They give whatever they have to show their appreciation for the work we do for them. I am often humbled by their generosity.

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The success stories of breaking the cycle of homelessness are slim. One of the best times was when a patient who had previously refused medical care came back to us and displayed improving coping skills with substance use and furthermore walked for the first time in three years. We were all so proud of him! Our patients have such great hidden talents. They usually don’t share them until their second or third time with us but when they do, it’s amazing to see their abilities.

Emily Sheehan, 2nd Boston Marathon

I started running in 2016 because someone told me I couldn’t and I don’t take no for an answer! And I also wanted to get healthier! There is so much to be said for Boston and running at home! Boston has so much history, including its marathon. It is something so special to be able to run in the city that my parents immigrated to and that has been the foundation for my family.

When I did my community clinical for nursing school at BHCHP, I saw first hand the incredible work the staff does. It left a lasting impression and I’ve never forgotten about my time there. Whether it’s wound care, vaccine clinics, the accessibility of staff to patients, it was just mind boggling. This is a resource that is SO needed in our community, now more than ever and I want to do my part to support the staff and patients.

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I think it’s so easy to take for granted the things we have, like a roof over our head when we live in a society of luxuries. But it doesn’t take much to lose these things, and I think as a human, we owe it to one another to show compassion and lend a helping hand. I’ve met homeless people who worked on state street and lived in mansions who lost everything due to substance use, including their families. Homelessness does not make anyone less deserving of compassionate care or outreach, it is a barrier to healthcare and EVERY person should have a fundamental right to access healthcare in today’s society, not just those with money.