Tread Strong: Support BIDMC’s 2018 Boston Marathon Team

In 2016, Amy Carchedi’s dad, Larry, underwent surgery to have three stents placed in the arteries of his heart. At just 58 years old, he became one of the 28.4 million people in the U.S. with heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

For Larry, this surgery was a wakeup call. “The stents keep my dad’s heart working properly,” Amy says. “But he realized it was time to make some lifestyle changes.”

Larry joined the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton. This program helps individuals learn how to improve their heart health by reducing cholesterol, lowering their blood pressure, exercising and decreasing stress.

“Cardiac Rehab and the BID Milton team changed my dad’s life,” Amy says. “I’m so grateful for the cardiologists, nurses, physical therapists, dietitians and more who helped guide my dad to lose more than 20 pounds and embrace a healthier lifestyle.”

Amy—who is one of 62 runners on BIDMC’s Boston Marathon team—is setting out to trek 26.2 miles in support of BID Milton.

“As a college soccer player, I often ran to keep in shape, but I never thought I would run a marathon,” the Quincy native says. “I can’t think of a better reason to check this accomplishment off my bucket list. My dad’s journey to a healthier lifestyle inspires me and I’m so honored to be able to give back to the hospital that’s given my family so much.”

Funds donated on behalf of Amy Carchedi will benefit BID Milton, an 88-bed acute care hospital with 24-hour emergency services and more than 250 physicians on staff. Its affiliation with BIDMC provides access to world-class academic medical care in Milton and surrounding communities.