Today marks the running of the 118^th Boston Marathon.

The marathon has always meant something very special to the city of Boston, the state, the country and beyond. This incredible run on Patriot’s Day has always reminded us of our freedom and our history. It is a celebration unique to us in many ways, yet shared by the world.

Last year, all of that was temporarily shaken by moments of terror that will not be forgotten by anyone. Our nation came together last year, anchored by the spirit of the people who live in Massachusetts.

We had many friends and family on the Boston Marathon course last year… those running on behalf of the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund, the many extraordinary UMass Memorial volunteers in the medical tents and on the course, our employees and patients running for other charities and personal fulfillment, and many others cheering on the runners.

I’d like to thank not only all of those from our organization who served last year, but also all of those out there today. You are reaffirming that nothing can take away who we are and what we are all about.

Back here in Central Massachusetts, our physicians, clinicians, nurses and staff on the front-lines come together to create the best place to give care and the best place to get care.  Just like those on the front-line came together to serve patients at their most vulnerable one year ago today, so do we every day.

Thank you all for taking great care of our patients and each other.

Eric