2018 Boston Marathon

It is my pleasure and honor to announce (from the rooftops) that I will be running the Boston Marathon for the second time. Thanks to my older brother Tyler, I have been given another incredible opportunity to run in the Boston Marathon on April 16, 2018, as a representative of the Boston Fire Department, in support of the Thomas William Quinn Memorial Scholarship.

Many important people in my life have helped to shape and influence me to become the best that I can be. In particular, I would like to mention my two extraordinary, brothers Tyler and Jeremiah. They are both Army veterans and community helpers. Together they have served and protected our country for a combined total of 19 years and are now dedicated to serving and protecting our community. My older brother, Tyler is a Boston Firefighter at Engine 32, and my younger brother, Jeremiah, is a Boston Police Officer in District A1. Their selflessness and commitment to helping others since they were both very young continues to impress upon me the importance of giving back.

I am so excited to be running the Boston Marathon for the second time through my incredible city for such a great cause, the Thomas William Quinn Memorial Scholarship. The family and friends of Thomas William Quinn “Tommy” have established a memorial scholarship. This scholarship will ensure that Tommy’s legacy will continue by honoring a student of a Boston Firefighter who possesses the qualities that Tommy had; perseverance, integrity, a leader among his peers and service oriented. Tommy’s untimely death, at the young age of fourteen, changed so many lives forever, and this scholarship will honor Tommy and help keep his memory strong. Through this scholarship everyone will remember Tommy’s love of family and friends, his bright smile, his positive attitude, sense of humor, contagious laughter and his zest for life! Tommy was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of six and battled through; blindness, chemotherapy and weekly visits to Dana Farber for eight years. Tommy was loved by all and fought his diagnosis with a courageous faith that a cure would be found. That led his father, Tom, a Boston firefighter with Ladder 23 and Engine 24, to start running the Boston Marathon along with other firefighters to raise awareness for Brain Tumor Research. The Tommy Quinn Brain Tumor Research Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Institute has grown over the years and is a true testament of his legacy.

I had the utmost honor of running alongside so many courageous, kind, loyal, and brave Boston Firefighters throughout my training for the 2017 Boston Marathon. Among these firefighters was Tom Quinn, Tommy’s dad. Tom was an amazing support to me as I embraced the freezing cold and seemingly impossible route from Hopkinton to Boston during our marathon training. During these 20 mile training runs we talked a lot about Tommy, and life, and the importance of embracing each day. Tom encouraged, challenged, and cheered for me throughout the 20 mile training runs, especially on heartbreak hill when I needed it the most.

I am embracing the challenge of running the 2018 Boston Marathon for the Thomas William Quinn Memorial Scholarship, and in honor of my amazing brothers, and all of the Civil Service men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to protect us. I am in awe of them!

It is my hope that you will also honor them by committing to sponsor me. I have pledged to raise $5,000. My promise to you is to run all 26.2 miles and to smile, scream, cry, and frantically wave when I run by you on the course. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and generosity, it truly means the world to me. I hope to see you all on the Boston Marathon course!

Warmest wishes,
Alexandra Hogan