She’s running her first-ever marathon to raise money for Mass. General Hospital

Boston Marathon

“Being able to raise money for this charity adds even more meaning to something already so special.”

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. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Armanda Demeris
Age: 34
From: North Attleboro

I’m Armanda Demeris, a soon to be 35-year-old working wife and mother of two from North Attleboro, Mass., originally from Sutton, Mass., and I will be running the 130th Boston Marathon for the Massachusetts General Hospital Fund!

Not only has it been a personal goal of mine to run Boston as my first marathon, but being accepted to the MGH Marathon Team and being able to raise money for this charity adds even more meaning to something already so special. The Massachusetts General Hospital Fund supports three very important causes to me: Emergency Response, Cancer Care & Research, and the Home Base Program.

Emergency Response — Supports training and resources needed to advance emergency preparedness and disaster medicine efforts. My best friend, Alisia, is a night nurse in MGH’s Emergency Department and I know how much she busts her butt caring for everyone who comes through those doors. My husband is also a first responder and we know first hand how important training and resources are in order to prepare for emergency situations.

Cancer Care & Research — Funds are directed to cancer care and research that lead to improvements in cure rates and enhance patients’ quality of life. My Mother, Sandra Roy, is a two-time breast cancer survivor and I’ve witnessed the importance of cancer care and research when it came to her diagnoses and treatment. My first job out of college was also as a technician in a breast cancer research lab and those labs need funding in order to advance technologies and treatments for a possible cure in the future.

The Home Base Program — Dedicated to supporting Veterans, Service Members, and their Families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education, and research — all at no cost to them. My husband, George, is an OEF veteran, and now serves as a pilot with the MA Army National Guard. I’m honored to run for military members who we now call family.

I would so appreciate the publication of my story and fundraiser to help raise as much as possible for this great cause!

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.