Boston Marathon
“I would not even be alive today – to get a chance to begin again – if not for their hospitals.”
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Jeff Kaplan
Age: 33
From: Newton
I am running the 2025 Boston Marathon because I am a brain injury survivor, and years ago nobody expected me to ever run again. I run for Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) and I would not even be alive today – to get a chance to begin again – if not for their hospitals.
In September 2018, I sustained the worst traumatic brain injury you can get when I was hit by a car while running on Memorial Drive. I was rushed to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to undergo life-saving brain surgery (craniectomy) and other emergency help. A recovery like mine was not expected, and my family was even told that they would have to be aggressive, but the results may not have an ideal outcome when I wake from my coma. They didn’t lose hope.
After waking up, starting rehab, and another brain surgery putting my skull back together, I set out to run again after relearning to walk. Since 2019, I did just that – all over the world, and running has helped me form a new positive life outcome and reconnect damaged brain pathways.
Through all of my races and milestones, I have shared my story to inspire. I run 2025 for survivors of all trauma and all injuries that have had help from a BILH hospital. I run with them in my mind, and to give hope to all that don’t think there can be light from a dark life event.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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