Community Corner

Braintree Man to Run Boston Marathon for Children's Cancer Clinic

The Marathon Patient-Partner Program pairs runners with patients undergoing cancer treatment at Mass General. Chris Buliga is partnered with his son Nathan, a Braintree High student.

For the second year in a row, Nathan Buliga's father Chris will run the Boston Marathon to help raise money for the children's cancer clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital where Nathan receives treatment.

Nathan, a 14-year-old Braintree High School freshman, was diagnosed three years ago with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone and soft tissue cancer. He undergoes regular treatment at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, and last year his father ran the marathon for the first time in scorching heat as part of the Patient-Partner Program.

As Mass General describes it, "When our runners set out on Boston’s grueling 26.2-mile course, they not only raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research; they inspire and bring hope to the youngest patients we serve."

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Through the hospital, Nathan, his family and other patients have been able to attend arts festivals, hockey games and other activities. Money raised by the marathon also goes toward cancer research.

Buliga's team raised $750,000 last year and has a goal of $850,000 for this coming spring.

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