Stefanie Baker Senior Talent Recruiter, The MENTOR Network
Grant Recipient, MassGeneral Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department

Most Bostonians look for a reason to stay inside during the cold winter months, but beginning in December of 2016, Stefanie Baker was looking for any opportunity to get outside and train for the 2017 Boston Marathon. Nothing stopped her from running in the rain, snow or when it was -1 degree. That is because she was running to raise money for Massachusetts General Hospital’s (MGH) Marathon Team for Pediatric Hematology Oncology in honor of her six year old niece, London who is being treated at MassGeneral Hospital for Children for medulloblastoma, a fast-growing tumor that develops in the base of the brain.

When asked if she wanted to run, it was not even a question, she joined the “Fighting Kids’ Cancer… One Step at a Time” team to honor London. Stefanie committed to running at least 8 hours a week to be ready for 26.2 miles and raising her $6,000 fundraising requirement.

“Stefanie is a very positive and giving person,” said Patty Abeling, Senior Director of Integration and Process Optimization, The MENTOR Network. “The money she raised will fund critical cancer research and provide programs for children and their families at Mass General Hospital.”

“I thought about London and her courage and strength every time I ran,” said Stefanie. “If she can go through 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week, then I can run 26 miles. She gives me strength with every step I take and her smiling face got me to that finish line in April.”

Stefanie more than doubled her fundraising goal raising nearly $14,000 of critical funds to support the tremendous care that her niece and others receive at MGH. She was one of the top 10 fundraisers on the team, so it is no surprise that MGH has asked her to run again next year. Based on her spirit and dedication to the cause, it is no surprise that she is planning to do so!

To learn more about MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, please visit their website at http://www.massgeneral.org/children/.