NH Woman Seeks Donations for Boston Marathon Run

A local woman who works at Massachusetts General Hospital is looking to run in the 2014 Boston Marathon to pay tribute to the patients she helps care for.

Halary Patch LeBlanc is asking for contributions to go toward her marathon run, according to her GoFundMe.com page. Patch has partnered with GoFundMe and is helping to highlight worthy campaigns in local communities.

Since Dec. 19, 3 people have donated $100. The goal is $5,000.

From the page:

Several life changing events have occurred for me within the last year, which have influenced my decision to pursue consideration for the MGH Marathon Team. I think that it is always important to do self reflection when faced with adversity in our lives and through this adversity I have been very humbled. I have the unique opportunity to interact with a patient population who may never get to experience such an opportunity as this, to run a marathon. Daily I care for these patients waiting for heart transplant as if they are my own family. I feel that it is my duty, responsibility and more importantly my interpersonal connection with them and their family, to prepare them for the biggest challenge of their life. Emotionally, mentally and physically these patients endure so much in a struggle for survival, which is separated simply by life and death of yet another innocent individual. Personal turmoil, grief and yes simple joys are had from a hospital bed. But imagine sitting in a hospital, with your own mortality dangled in front of you day in and day out. 

Despite my own personal challenges and grief over the last year, nothing compares to that of those I care for daily. I can smell the fresh air, I can hug my daughter and tell her I love her and I am free of all illness. My day to day battle cannot compare in magnitude of the emotional and physical challenges these patients endure in a fight for survival. 

This would be an amazing milestone, personal accomplishment and more importantly an opportunity to represent a group of individuals who I hold so dear to my heart. These individuals may never have the chance to be part of such an event, and whose very existence and survival hangs in the balance waiting for a healthy heart, a "runners" heart. 

I would be forever grateful if you would give a small contribution towards my run in the 2014 Boston Marathon. I am very dedicated to successfully completing the challenge that lies ahead, inspired by those who will forever have a permanent place in my heart.