For Rashida and her family, cheering on Boston Marathon runners every April has always been more important than watching a sports game. “I’m a Boston girl—born and bred,” she explained. The April tradition inspired her to begin her own running journey—5Ks with her husband, Ken.
In 2016, life took a turn when her sister, a mom to three children, passed away unexpectedly. Rashida and Ken immediately became first-time parents to three children under the age of 10.
She was overwhelmed with the challenges of being a mom, but she understood the importance of pediatric care. She took the kids to Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester, a BMC affiliate, for their pediatric appointments. It was there that Rashida learned about the many services BMC provides to new parents and children who have experienced trauma. “BMC takes good care of our children both in the clinic and in the hospital,” Rashida shared. “Doctors focus not only on their physical needs, but also care for the whole person.”
Missing her runs with her husband, feeling the physical toll of life’s stressors, and being diagnosed with diabetes made Rashida realize she needed to once again prioritize her own health. She took up running again—this time with her children as well. She soon discovered there was a way to both run the Boston Marathon and support BMC by signing up to be on Team BMC for the 2024 Boston Marathon.
“I won’t set any records but just showing up and trying is something not everyone does,” Rashida said. “Ken and I have been training on Heartbreak Hill, so we’re looking forward to cresting it the day of the race.” One day, Rashida hopes to run the Boston Marathon with her children, now 11, 14, and 17 years old. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to BMC by doing something she loves. “My heart always feels warm and fuzzy when I think about BMC,” she said.
