Nick’s Boston Marathon journey began 10 years ago when he was a freshman at Boston College. The day before the race, he was inspired to be on the start line and managed to secure a bib through a club on campus. The next day, he found himself on a school bus en route to the start line of the 2013 Boston Marathon, having never completed a run longer than six miles.
Despite his lack of preparation, adrenaline carried Nick through the first 13 miles past the Wellesley Scream Tunnel. His run slowed to a power-walk on his way up Heartbreak Hill, but he was determined to reach his classmates on BC’s campus at Mile 21. The euphoric stretch of high-fives and cheers from fellow BC Eagles carried Nick through miles 20 and 22, and before he knew it, he was approaching the final mile into Copley Square. As he approached the final stretch on Boylston St., excitement quickly turned to confusion when he saw a cloud of smoke and heard what sounded like fireworks behind the finish line. Nick was only a few hundred feet from the second explosion before he was stopped in his tracks and curled up on the side of the road, depleted and in need of a way back to the safety of his dorm room. He would eventually find a ride back to BC, stunned by the unimaginable tragedy that had ensued in front of him.
Flash forward to 2022, and Nick’s twin brother Tim would be starting his residency program as a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Resident at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. “Spaulding was his first choice on Match Day, so I fondly remember witnessing my brother match with the program he had worked so hard for as one of the happiest moments of my life,” said Nick. Nick would come to learn more about Spaulding’s role in the aftermath of the 2013 Marathon bombings, serving countless survivors of the horrific event that he had seen firsthand.
This year, Nick will be running the Boston Marathon for Spaulding’s Race for Rehab team and is motivated to finish what he started 10 years ago. Nick has been hard at work training and will be well prepared for this year’s race with the specialized training plans, nutrition advice, and strength training clinics that he’s had access to as a member of the team. “I’ve really enjoyed connecting with my teammates since joining the team. The world-class support, gear, and amenities on this team have been spectacular,” said Nick.
Seeing the exceptional care that Spaulding provides for their patients inspired Nick to join the team in support of the important work that means so much to his brother. While Nick’s marathon journey began spontaneously and ended abruptly in 2013, he looks forward to “closing the loop and taking it all in” this year while his brother awaits him at the finish line.