Once told not to run by a doctor, she’s now taking on Boston

On our websiteWhy am I running?“, Boston Marathon athletes share what inspires them to take on the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for the Boston Marathon Pop-up Newsletter at Boston.com.

name: South Sydney
Age: 33
From: Peabody

In 2014, I was diagnosed with giant cell tumor of my femur. After surgery at Mass General Hospital, my doctor encouraged me to stick to low-impact activities. His exact words were: “You should only run if you are being chased.” As a lifelong athlete who aspires to one day run the Boston Marathon, this news was shocking.

After more than 10 years of careful monitoring, low-impact movements, strength training, and physical therapy, I’m fully cleared for all levels of activity, including running this marathon.

Running the Boston Marathon, something that previously seemed completely out of reach, is now a reality. It’s an opportunity and privilege I don’t take lightly, and my journey here helps me carry gratitude and perspective into every step of my training.

It’s only right that I run and raise money for the place that gave me back my mobility, confidence, and ability to live an active life: Mass General Hospital.

I’m running to help patients and their families who walk through MGH’s doors during some of the scariest and most uncertain moments of their lives, and put their trust in this hospital for the best care. I am running to support the doctors, nurses and staff who have shown me extraordinary compassion, humanity and skill, and who provide the same level of care to so many others day after day. I’m running for the countless patients, families and friends whose lives have been touched by MGH, and for the impact this institution and its people have on so many.

I am so grateful to Mass General Hospital and so proud to have their name on my shirt on April 20th!