Tread Strong: Support BIDMC’s 2018 Boston Marathon Team

Eddie Gaffney first got involved with the community garden at Bowdoin Street Health Center two years ago. “My wife and I volunteered to help revitalize the community garden plot as something meaningful to do together,” he says. “We quickly saw how important and impactful this garden is for the health center, and we’ve been coming back to help regularly ever since.”

Bowdoin Street Health Center is licensed and operated by BIDMC, and has been an integral part of the Dorchester community since 1973. One of the health center’s most successful programs is called Healthy Champions, which provides youth with opportunities to engage in health education to become advocates and voices of change in their neighborhood.

“Part of the Healthy Champions program is taking care of and learning from a garden plot,” Eddie says. “I’ve seen so many young kids get excited about the garden, which makes them excited to learn about health and wellness.”

The Champions, who are all ages 7-14 and live in the Bowdoin/Geneva neighborhood, learn about the importance of healthy nutrition, food preparation, food access in their neighborhood, and fitness and healthy lifestyles.

As a former track athlete and soccer player, Eddie says the Boston Marathon is something he’s always admired. “Having this opportunity to be a part of Team BIDMC and run to benefit the Healthy Champions program at Bowdoin Street is really special,” he says.

Eddie’s support system has been instrumental in getting him to the finish line. “I couldn’t have done this without my wife, my parents and sisters, and all of the family and friends who have supported me along the way,” he says. “When I cross the finish line on Marathon Monday, I will be thinking about them and all of the Healthy Champions who have motivated me to be a part of something as great as the Boston Marathon.”

Read more about Eddie’s journey and support Team BIDMC.