Whether she’s running or working, Boxford’s Maddi Oakes never has a hard time finding her ‘why’.
The incredible care her mom, Jenn, received during a nearly four-year battle with brain cancer led Oakes to become a healthcare worker. Now, it is also leading her from Hopkinton through Heartbreak Hill and down Boylston Street as she takes part in the 129th Boston Marathon in two weeks.
Oakes, 22, will be running the 26.2 miles as part of Mass General Hospital’s Marathon Team. More than 200 runners pledged to raise at least $10,000 to benefit one of MGH’s three aims: emergency response, cancer care and home base for veterans. Oakes is part of the cancer team and has been blown away by the support she’s received from her community.
“I was so worried in the beginning, thinking it was so much money,” said Oakes, who graduated from Simmons College and Masconomet Regional High School. “After I put my story out there I received so much support, and I’m so grateful and appreciative. My dad ran the Marathon in 2014 and so many of his running friends chipped in. My sisters were really great about spreading the word, too.”
Working as an oncology nurse at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Oakes frequently works the night shift. That was the most challenging part of training for the marathon as she tried to find safe and well-lit trails at odd hours; the winter weather and temperatures didn’t help, either.
Team MGH provides a training program through the Heartbreak Hill running company as well as partners and groups for long runs. That and some tips and tricks from her dad, Tim, were huge helps. Oakes and a few friends also recently completed the New Bedford Half Marathon to help her prepare.
The second-oldest of her mom and dad’s four children with sisters Emily, Delaney and Gabbi, Maddi Oakes grew up as a competitive cheerleader and didn’t have a ton of experience with long distance running. She’s amazed herself with the progress that she’s made and doesn’t play to give it up anytime soon.
“When I had my 20-mile run, I was practically sobbing at the end because I was so happy,” Oakes said. “It’s such a massive weight off the chest. Six months ago, I never would have thought I could do that … it’s crazy thinking about this journey.”
Oakes was just 10 years old when her mom had a seizure. Sending the ambulance straight to Mass General and the world class advanced chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials and other care helped Jenn live nearly three years past her original prognosis before she passed away in 2017.
“I’m inspired by the extra time I had with my mom,” said Oakes. “Every day, I have the opportunity to help patients with cancer beat the odds. Through the marathon, I hope to raise money to further give back to MGH and help as many people as I can have a fighting chance against cancer.”
What would a prefect Marathon Monday look like for Oakes? Besides favorable weather (maybe even a little damp to keep her cool), she’d love to settle on a good playlist of songs that go at least 85 beats per minute to keep her on pace as she tries to top her dad’s Boston time of 4 hours 19 minutes. Thinking about all the Bostonians who line the marathon route to cheer runners on is another experience she’s visualized and looks forward to. She also recently found out younger sister Gabbi will be at the finish line handing out blankets with her high school, Cushing Academy, which will make completing the marathon even more special.
“She has to find me for that blanket,” Oakes joked. “I’ve heard from so many people, whether it’s friends or co-workers or just people who live in Boston, that want to be on the roads cheering us on. That’s such a motivator and an inspirational feeling. Just thinking about it keeps me going. I can’t wait.”
To donate to Maddi Oakes’ marathon run, visit https://www.givengain.com/project/madison-raising-funds-for-massachusetts-general-hospital-85944