2013 Boston Marathon runner: Amanda Watters

Above: Southborough resident Amanda Watters is running in memory of little Isabella Sivert (contributed photo)

Twenty-four Southborough residents will don a Boston Marathon bib today to run for themselves and for causes they hold dear. Every runner has a story, and for the past few weeks I’ve been featuring as many of those stories as I can on the blog.

Today we meet Amanda Watters who is running to for Children’s Hospital Boston. Here is Amanda’s story.

I run for Children’s Hospital Boston. In 2006, my cousin’s daughter, Isabella Sivert, was born. Shortly after her birth, Bella was diagnosed with cardiac problems and was transferred to Children’s Hospital Boston, where she received outstanding care for 14 months. Sadly, Bella passed away, “earning her angel wings,” on May 1, 2007.

Children’s Hospital was a central part of Bella’s life. It gave her 14 months for her family to spend with her and to love her. In her short life, Bella brought together so many people. Each year, my hope in running for Children’s is that it will give another child the same kind of care that Bella received, and therefore another family the joy of having that child in their lives.

The Marathon will always hold a special place for me, as it will always remind me of Bella and how strong she was and how hard she fought.

As a qualified runner, I am only required to raise $1,000. This year, I am hoping to raise $2,000. Since 2006, I have raised approximately $20,000 for Children’s Hospital.

The Boston Marathon has always been very special to me. I grew up three miles from the start and remember watching it as a kid. I was so inspired by all the runners. I think the first time I told people I was going to run the Boston Marathon was when I was in seventh or eighth grade.

Throughout high school and up until I ran my first race, I worked at the start of the Marathon as a volunteer with my mother and several other friends. In 2005, I was lucky to receive a number from my running club, at which point I made it a goal to qualify for the 2006 race. I did so, barely, running a 3:40:02. I have since made Boston a yearly event that many family and friends also get involved in.

I love that the Boston Marathon is about community. I have so many people that support me and come out to cheer me on. I love the whole weekend surrounding the Marathon. Family and friends come into town to volunteer on the race and co-workers wait for me to finish at the finish line. But even if there wasn’t such a personal connection, the crowds are just amazing, and it will be great to soak in the atmosphere.

If you’d like to help Amanda meet her fundraising goal, visit her donation page.