Boston Marathon
After a family friend’s accident, she’s raising money for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and the care that helped him heal.
Jessica O’Brien is running the 2026 Boston Marathon.
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Name: Jessica O’Brien
Age: 38
From: Milford, NH
Running the Boston Marathon is an incredible honor, but running it for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital gives every mile a deeper purpose.
This cause is deeply personal to me because of Aiden Sloan, my son Colin’s best friend. Last summer, Aiden suffered a freak accident while jumping into a wave at Hampton Beach that nearly left him paralyzed. In the aftermath of such a terrifying moment, Spaulding became a place of hope, healing, and extraordinary care for Aiden and his family.
Seeing firsthand the compassion, expertise, and dedication of Spaulding’s clinicians made a lasting impact on me. Their work goes far beyond physical recovery, they support the emotional strength of patients and the resilience of families navigating the unimaginable. Because of their care, Aiden was given the support and tools he needed to move forward, and our community witnessed the true power of specialized rehabilitation.
Spaulding’s patients embody courage, grit, and perseverance every single day. Their journeys put my toughest training runs into perspective and fuel my motivation when the miles feel heavy.
I’m running to honor Aiden’s story and to support the life-changing work Spaulding does for countless individuals and families. Every dollar raised helps ensure that more people have access to the innovative therapies, compassionate care, and resources that make recovery possible.
This race is bigger than the finish line. It’s about purpose, impact, and running for those who fight every day to reclaim their lives.
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