This Boston Marathon bombing survivor is running with Miles for Miracles

Boston Marathon

“Running the Boston Marathon this year as part of the Miles for Miracles Team is my way to heal from my own trauma, and honor and support my son and the many brave little warriors at BCH.”

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: Juliana Hermenegildo
Age: 36
From: Rehoboth

I am running the 2026 Boston Marathon with the Miles for Miracles team to raise money for the children and families at Boston Children’s Hospital. My son Tiago had open-heart surgery on Nov. 15, 2024, at the age of 17 months to correct a rare heart defect. Not only were the doctors, nurses, and technicians incredibly skilled, but they were patient and compassionate with our whole family. His surgical team was able to implant a patch in his heart, and Tiago was discharged with no restrictions. Amazingly, he is a completely healthy, happy, toddler now, and I am forever grateful to BCH.

Running this year will also be meaningful to me on a personal level. I last ran the Boston Marathon in 2013, and I was very close to the finish line when the bombs went off. I got swept up in the ensuing chaos and panic, and I ended up wandering the streets of Boston in my race singlet for hours. I suffered PTSD and was unable to run for months. Since then, I have been searching for a way to run the Boston Marathon again, but it was not until my son’s experience at BCH that I felt driven to raise money for a cause that is so meaningful.

Running the Boston Marathon this year as part of the Miles for Miracles Team is my way to heal from my own trauma, and honor and support my son and the many brave little warriors at BCH.

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