From left: David Miles, Meb Keflezighi, Desi Linden, Jen Hudak and Erik Hudak

Hundreds of runners representing BWH and BWFH took to the streets of Boston’s scenic Back Bay on Sunday, June 24, for the annual Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) 10K, presented by Brigham Health.

Spirits were high throughout the 6.2-mile course and at the BWH Team tent on Boston Common, with team members raising funds to advance expert care and groundbreaking research across Brigham Health while supporting causes near and dear to them. More than half the Brigham Health team comprised BWH and BWFH employees, a testament to their dedication for caring and curing.

As a special treat, Boston Marathon champions Desi Linden and Meb Keflezighi stopped by the team tent after the race.

Matthew Mosquera, MD, a resident in the BWH Department of Psychiatry, was inspired to run for the Addiction Recovery Fund at BWFH as a member of Team Narwhal. “Getting to meet former Boston Marathon winners Meb Keflezighi and Des Linden was an inspiring ending to a great day that will certainly keep us coming back for years to come.”

Many other runners represented patients and families who raised funds to express their appreciation for the profound impact the Brigham has had on their lives.

Michelle Beauchemin participated in memory of her late husband, Luke, who was treated for brain cancer at the Brigham, and to support the Brain Tumor Fund at BWH. “This event enabled me to not only honor Luke’s memory, but to also say thank you to everyone at BWH for the extraordinary love, care and support he received throughout his short battle with glioblastoma,” Beauchemin said.

BWH patient Jen Hudak ran to fundraise for the BWH Living Donor Center, honor her three living kidney donors and express her gratitude for her care. “I felt like I was at home and surrounded by 500 of my closest family members the whole morning,” said Hudak. “This was the most incredible experience, one that I know I will never forget.”