BLOG: Three women in oncology look forward to running the 126th Boston Marathon
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Inspire. Empower. Celebrate!
These words are the slogan for the 126th running of the Boston Marathon, which will recognize and honor the 50th anniversary of the 1972 race, which featured the first women’s division in race history. In 1972, eight women met the qualifying standard and were made official entrants to the marathon. Five of those original women will be celebrating in Boston on race day, which is April 18.
Before 1972, women were excluded from long-distance running, because some experts were concerned about the impact of strenuous exercise on women’s health. As Val Rogosheske, one of the original eight who ran in 1972 noted, “They thought maybe our uteruses would fall out!” Now, 50 years later, there are more than 12,000 women registered for this year’s marathon.
We are thrilled that the three of us, busy juggling our demanding, but important jobs, parenting responsibilities and care for our families — during the pandemic — will run in the footsteps of those original eight trailblazers. Each of us has found that during the pandemic, running has been not only an important way to get exercise but also an opportunity to focus our own self-care, build resilience and develop meaningful connections with each other.
Des Linden, winner of the 2018 Boston Marathon women’s race, stated: “Remember your why. When things get hard you have the decision to bail, or you can remember your ‘why.’” Below, each of us share “why” we are running this year’s Boston Marathon.
Sadhna R. Vora, MD: Inspire!
Running helps me put challenges into perspective, gives me a sense of mental clarity and helps me find joy in nature ... even (especially?) on those dark, New England winter mornings! It makes me feel stronger, both physically and mentally, and I bring that into my day-to-day life.
Not only does running help me feel more grounded, it also provides a community, connecting me with other runners (like Amy and Gaby!).
Lastly, running for a good cause provides that extra burst of energy when I need it the most, and I feel fortunate to be able to contribute by doing something I love! This is my first marathon, and I am running it in support of Massachusetts General Hospital pediatric oncology.
Gabriela Hobbs, MD: Empower!
Most of my day is filled with parenting and work responsibilities as an oncologist. Although I love being a mom and an oncologist, both demand a lot from me (in a good way!).
Every morning, when everyone in my house is asleep, I lace up (and layer up) and head out for a run. Each run helps to balance my thoughts, clears my work-related concerns and gets me ready for the day. No matter how hectic a day may be, I always feel better knowing I’ve accomplished something before the day has started and I’m always able to give more to others knowing I’ve dedicated that peaceful sunrise hour to myself.
Running also gives me community, which was especially critical during the isolating pandemic years. It was through running that I was able to make some amazing friends and run my first marathons (with Amy as my personal course director for my first marathon during the pandemic, thank you! And this year, through Amy, I was able to connect with Sadhna, who is getting ready to run her first marathon!)
This year I am thrilled to run on behalf of my father who has retinitis pigmentosa and to raise money for Mass Eye and Ear to support their research efforts for this disease.
Amy Comander, MD, DipABLM: Celebrate!
For the past 9 years, I have been fortunate to run the Boston Marathon for charitable causes. This year, I am honored to run in support of the Ellie Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides essential support for those receiving treatment for breast cancer in Massachusetts.
In February 2021, a piece I wrote was published in The Oncologist about my reflections on running the Boston Marathon during the pandemic. With this upcoming race, I have reflected further on these running lessons: purpose, resilience and gratitude.
When it comes to purpose, I think of my patients and the challenges they face during treatment for cancer. It is my honor to run in support of my patients, and I dedicate each mile to them and to my mother, who died from an aggressive cancer in 2011.
When it comes to resilience, we have all had a crash course navigating uncertainty during the pandemic. Who has taught me the most about this important skill? My patients. Individuals undergoing cancer treatment have faced unprecedented challenges over these past 2 years.
Finally, when it comes to gratitude, I am fortunate to have a meaningful and rewarding job as a breast oncologist, and to learn from my patients, who have taught me the true meaning of Amby Burfoot’s running mantra: “Every mile out there is a gift, and every finish line is a gift.” These lessons will help me navigate (and hopefully celebrate!) those 26.2 miles! I am also incredibly grateful to run alongside Sadhna and Gaby.
The three of us look forward to this historic race day. We are inspired by those original eight women; we hope to empower others to discover the joy from running; and most importantly, we can’t wait to celebrate as we cross that finish line in Copley Square!
“Running rewards consistency and resilience. So does life. Keep showing up.” – Des Linden
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Amy Comander, MD, DipABLM, is director of breast oncology and survivorship at Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham and at Newton-Wellesley, the medical director of the Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. She also serves as a Healio Women in Oncology Peer Perspective Board Member. She can be reached at acomander@mgh.harvard.edu. Fundraising link: https://bit.ly/donatetoEllieFund
Gabriela Hobbs, MD, is the clinical director of the adult leukemia service at Massachusetts General Hospital and an assistant of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Fundraising link: https://www.givengain.com/ap/gabriela-hobbs-raising-funds-for-mass-eye-and-ear/
Sadhna R. Vora, MD, is a breast oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, an instructor at Harvard Medical School and a senior physician editor at UpToDate. Fundraising link: Fight kids' cancer!
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