Ranga Papanna

Ranga Papanna, MD, is running his first marathon on April 20 as a member of BWH’s Life.Giving.Breakthroughs. Marathon Team for two reasons: to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and to celebrate turning 40.

“I’ve never run a marathon before, so I’m very excited to take on a new challenge,” said Papanna, a hospitalist in BWH’s Department of Medicine, whose 40th birthday was last November. “I feel fortunate to be able to run with the BWH team and to be a participant in this world-renowned race.”

With a mission to transform the future of medicine for patients and families in Boston and around the world, BWH’s Life.Giving.Breakthoughs. Marathon Team is dedicated to raising awareness of all disciplines and disease areas at BWH.

Papanna, who began working at BWH in 2012, said that fundraising for the BWH team has given him the opportunity to spread awareness about the benefits of lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet and physical activity.

“These changes can prevent obesity and its complications, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack,” said Papanna. “By running, I hope to create more public awareness and help fund research and educational activities at BWH geared toward preventing obesity.”

Papanna says he is inspired to run by the dedication of the entire BWH community in supporting the hospital’s mission and helping to achieve the kind of life-giving breakthroughs for which the Brigham is known. He is also motivated by his colleagues who ran in previous years.

Although this winter in Boston was grueling, Papanna said he has been able to stay on track with training thanks to his support system of family, friends, fellow teammates and the team coach.

“I’m so humbled by this whole experience,” he said. “I’ve come to realize that running a marathon takes so much discipline. I’m looking forward to hearing the crowd cheer us on and crossing the finish line with my BWH family.”

Learn more about Papanna and the rest of the team at crowdrise.com/brighamwomensboston2015.