Support Team IHP
Every year the IHP choses two runners to compete in the Boston Marathon. Applications are open to alumni, students, faculty and staff. Runners who wish to compete must choose an IHP cause to run for, and must fundraise at least $5000 for that cause in order to run. They also must have past fundraising and long distance running experience.
Emily Combias BSN '22
Background
I graduated from the IHP’s ABSN program this past May (2022). Although originally from New Jersey, I completed my undergraduate degree in Southern California and then moved abroad to Germany for three years before deciding to pursue a career in nursing. Regardless of the changes in terrain, from the hills in SoCal, to the Black Forest in Germany, to the esplanade in Boston, running has always been a constant in my life, keeping me grounded and allowing me the space to process life’s challenges. Throughout my studies at the IHP, I completed my first two half-marathons, with the goal of running a full marathon when I turned thirty; it is now my year! I am ecstatic to represent the IHP and join the thousands of athletes participating in the 2023 Boston Marathon.
Emily Combias BSN '22
My Cause
I have chosen to run in support of a new endowed ABSN scholarship. I was always impressed throughout the program how committed the IHP was to raise cultural awareness and challenging students to become engaged in sometimes difficult, but imperative conversations regarding the lack of equal representation in healthcare and the barriers that vulnerable populations face when it comes to accessing quality care. Now working at MGH as an Oncology Nurse, I can see first-hand the importance of bridging this gap in care by fostering a diverse workforce. I hope that my fundraising efforts will help any soul with the heart to pursue a career in nursing an equal chance for an incredible education to improve patient care and make the future of nursing a more diverse and representative field in healthcare.
Cailin Murphy SLP '23
Background
I am beyond excited to be running the 2023 Boston Marathon, representing MGH Institute of Health Professions on Team IHP! By now, many of you know the story of my dad’s brain cancer journey and how it is intimately intertwined with my ambition to become a Speech Language Pathologist. MGH IHP has supported me on my career path and provided an incredible amount of support throughout the entirety of my dad’s battle. I am so grateful for the chance to be able to give back to the program that’s given me so much. All support you can give along the way is immensely appreciated. See you at the finish line!
Cailin Murphy SLP '23
My Cause
To give back to the Institute’s community and honor my father’s fight, I will be fundraising for the Aphasia Center. The Aphasia Center is our on-campus clinic dedicated to rehabbing clients with various types of aphasia and other language and cognitive challenges. To learn more about the Center, aphasia, or find resources for you or someone you know, please visit the IHP Aphasia Center.
The 2023 Marathon falls just before my graduation from the IHP, and I cannot think of a more full-circle way to round out my time here. My father’s struggles with aphasia following his first brain surgery are what initially ignited my passion for SLP, and I additionally have the privilege of fulfilling my final clinical placement on campus at the Aphasia Center this Spring.