Readers Say

After stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Judie Potter is running Boston

"I am alive today because of MGH and the support and prayers of my family and friends."

Judie Potter is "running with a grateful heart to give back to MGH for saving my life!"

October 8, 2021

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.

Name: Judie Potter
Age: 65
From: Lynnfield

On December 17, 2019, I was admitted to the emergency room at Massachusetts General Hospital, and to my surprise several hours later I was moved to the cancer floor. I was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was discharged late in the day on December 24 in time to spend Christmas with my family.

Treatments began on New Year’s Eve. I received treatments for the next six months through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so thankful to the entire staff at MGH for their dedication and hard work every day! I am alive today because of MGH and the support and prayers of my family and friends. I am running with a grateful heart to give back to MGH for saving my life!

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