Westwood Runners Gear Up For Boston Marathon

Good luck to our Westwood neighbors who are gearing up for this year’s Boston Marathon. If you are running and representing a charity, send an email to tleyden@bestversionmedia.com and we’ll share your story and help spread the word.
 
Holden Williamson
 
I am honored to be running the 2025 Boston Marathon as part of the Xtra Mile team to support Special Olympics Massachusetts, an organization that holds a very special place in my heart. Growing up with my Uncle Steve, who had Down Syndrome, I witnessed the transformative power of sports in fostering joy, confidence, and community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through my years of coaching with the Metrowest Flyers and Boston College Special Olympics, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of this organization. Thanks for your support, can’t wait for April 21st! bit.ly/bostonwilliamson25
 
Tatiana Jarostchuk
 
Running has taken me around the world, from the Paris Marathon to a half marathon in London, where I fundraised for Guide Dogs. I’m also a guide runner for visually impaired athletes, helping them pursue their own running goals. Now, it’s an incredible honor to bring my running journey home and represent the Patriots Foundation in my hometown’s iconic marathon. The Patriots have always been close to my heart. My father played for the Patriots, and I’ve had the privilege of volunteering at many events. Giving back to the community has always been important to me, and this opportunity to run the Boston Marathon while supporting the Patriots Foundation feels like a dream come full circle. bit.ly/bostontatiana25
 
Katie Scales
 
This April, I am running my fifth Boston marathon, in support of Dana-Farber. I run in memory of my parents, whose courage through their cancer battles inspire me every day. In September 2023, I also became a patient at Dana-Farber, joining a research study at the Lymphoma Clinic. Everyone’s journey, though different, can be impacted by the groundbreaking research at Dana-Farber. Marathon Monday marks 15 years since my mother lost her battle to cancer. I race in her honor and your support makes a difference, bringing us closer to a world without cancer. bit.ly/bostonscales25
 
Hannah Bean
 
This spring, not only will I be running my first ever marathon, but I’ll also be preparing to graduate from the Master’s in Counseling Psychology program at Northeastern University. As the program wraps up, so will my internship at The Home for Little Wanderers. I am so grateful to have received the opportunity to run the 2025 Boston Marathon on The Home’s charity team. On top of being a Mental Health Coach at Exerpsych in Westwood, I’m a Graduate Clinical Intern at The Home in Walpole. This site has residential homes and a special education program on their 166-acre campus, serving children and adolescents who have trauma and struggle with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Over the past year, I’ve learned so much providing therapy to students in need at The Home for Little Wanderers. Your support means so much to me as I train to complete these two major milestones come April 21. bit.ly/bostonbean25
 
Heather Ellis
 
I’m so excited to be running the 2025 Boston Marathon in support of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital! During my junior year at Northeastern, I worked in the pediatrics unit of Spaulding; it was incredible to witness the direct impact of rehabilitation medicine on patients’ health, quality of life, and overall wellbeing. It was so rewarding to play a role in my patients’ recovery, which is significantly enhanced by Spaulding’s extraordinary programs and advanced technology, such as the Adaptive Sports Center, the Lokomat machine, robotic therapy, and other innovations. Our efforts support these critical programs that enhance the lives of Spaulding’s patients! Thank you! bit.ly/bostonellis25
 
Michaela, Erin and Danny Gillis
 
The Gillis trio is running Boston for the first time this year, raising funds for the Boston Police Runners Club which supports numerous local charities such as Dana-Farber, the Martin Richards Foundation, New England Center and Home for Veterans, Special Olympics, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation and more. bit.ly/bostongillis25
 
Chloe Snyder
 
I grew up in Westwood and my parents are still residents, I come home frequently and consider myself a member of the Westwood community. I’m raising money for Boston Children’s Hospital. I played soccer all four years at Westwood High School and consider the late Tim Chant an inspiration to my running and fitness journey. I am keeping him in my heart while I run this year. bit.ly/bostonsnyder25