Annie Veo's Road to the Boston Marathon Saw Challenges and Opportunities

When MGH Institute student Annie Veo was learning to walk again following a childhood illness, she never imagined the challenge would influence her career choice or lead to an athletic milestone. Yet it did. 
Understanding the grit and determination it takes to recover from an injury or impairment is a key factor in Veo becoming a physical therapist; she’ll graduate in May with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Having the grit and determination is why she’s lacing up her running shoes and taking on the Boston Marathon. 

“Everyone always said when I was in the hospital, I was always so positive and was able to look at everything in a positive way,” explained Veo. “I think that’s how I have progressed in my life: pushing through, fighting, and working through anything that’s difficult or challenging. I think that has helped me, because you look back and think, this is hard right now, but you’ve done harder.” 

Veo fell in love with the Marjorie K. Ionta PT Center for Clinical Education and Health Promotion during her time as a student at the MGH Institute. She even volunteered extra time over the summer to work hands-on with clients, including participating in a walking group around the community. 

Throughout her time at the center, she worked with patients who were relearning how to move after strokes, brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other life-changing diagnoses. Her favorite part was the freedom to build relationships with clients and see a direct impact on their recoveries.  During her first year of school, she worked extensively with a client who had suffered a stroke, and she had to manually guide his leg for him while walking. Three years later, he was walking independently with just a cane. Affirming experiences like these had a deep impact on Veo, giving her confidence in her skills and a renewed love for her field.  

“The PT Center does such good work, and everyone cares so much,” noted Veo. “I loved that aspect of the IHP. They throw you right in, and it’s great. That experience stands out to me in my time here.” 
Veo’s childhood illness was diagnosed as meningitis and CRION (chronic recurring inflammatory optic neuritis), so she understands her clients’ road to recovery better than most. The experience shaped who she is today, leading her to develop a passion for healthcare and working directly with patients. 

She is taking on her next challenge with the same attitude. This April, she hopes to cross the finish line of her first-ever marathon, running on behalf of the PT Center. Being part of Team IHP brings Veo’s journey full circle, giving her the chance to give back to the PT Center and its clients while reminding herself of how hard she has fought in her own life.  

“Completing 26.2 miles is so hard and something that’s a huge challenge. I want to prove to myself that I’m healthy, and I can do this,” she said. “It feels empowering.”  

Running a marathon has always been a dream for Veo. Hailing from Belmont, MA, she has always set her sights on the Boston Marathon. She ran cross-country in high school and completed her first half-marathon two years ago. When she heard about the opportunity to run for Team IHP, she jumped at the chance to accomplish her dream while giving back to a place that has been crucial to her professional trajectory. The PT Center provides pro bono rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, to individuals with limited access to health care. Veo knows firsthand the importance of recovery and, through her fundraising, is helping others reclaim their strength and independence. 

Training for the Boston Marathon has not only allowed Veo to look back on how far she has come; it has also given her a chance to put her physical therapy specialization into practice, shaping her training and injury-prevention approach. Preparing for a marathon is unlike anything she has done and is no small feat. It requires consistent motivation and dedication to the end goal of finishing 26.2 miles. 

“I know what I’m running for and who I’m running for, and that’s going to get me right to the finish line,” she said confidently. 

The MGH Institute community has come out in full force to support Veo’s marathon endeavor and $8,000 fundraising goal. Faculty, peers, and alumni have reached out to thank her for her dedication to the PT Center. She says this fuels her training, and the community will be top of mind on Marathon Day, April 20.  “There is pressure, but the support from everyone has helped me stay grounded,” she attributed.

Although she will officially graduate in May, Veo has passed the physical therapy board exam and landed a new role in the Spaulding Hospital Cambridge inpatient acute rehabilitation unit, where she will continue working closely with patients. As for running, Veo has been told that once you run one marathon, you don’t stop, so it’s not hard to imagine more marathons in her future. 

“No matter what, you have to show up for yourself and what you care about,” she declared. Whether it has been overcoming her illness, advancing her PT career, or training for the marathon, Veo has done just that.

Learn more and support Annie’s fundraising efforts for the Marjorie K. Ionta PT Center for Clinical Education and Health Promotion.