Two Watertown Public School employees have set their sites on the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Copley Square this year, and each will raise money for causes close to their hearts.
Maureen Murphy, a special education teacher at J.R. Lowell Elementary School, will be part of the Boston Children’s Hospital’s Miles for Miracles team. Murphy’s family has close connections to the Boston Children’s Hospital.
“Two of my sons are patient partners this year. My son Cormac was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder when he was in second grade. Thanks to Boston Children’s Hospital, his genetic condition was caught quickly. He receives ongoing monitoring and care through BCH, and he’s doing awesome!” Murphy said. “My son Teddy is also a patient partner this year, helping us fundraise for emergency medicine. Last October Teddy was hit by a car in front of our home and was treated at Boston Children’s Hospital for his injuries.”
Cheryl Wermer, a social worker at Hosmer Elementary School, has run two previous marathons: Chicago in 2015 and New York in 2024. She has wanted to run the Boston race for years, and applied to run for charitable organizations, but had not had any luck. This year she applied to FamilyAid, an organization that works with children and families to combat homelessness which does a lot of work in the Greater Boston area to provide education and training programs, temporary housing units, and much more.
“I knew FamilyAid was opening up a Family Navigation Center in the city I live in — Newton — to help families get back on their feet, stabilize their lives, and secure permanent housing and I wanted to be a part of making a difference,” Wermer said. “After all, I am a social worker and helping children and/or families achieve stability is what I do on a daily basis! I was lucky enough to be awarded a bib!”
Murphy has run marathons in the past, but she said that was before she had four kids.
“This is my first Boston Marathon, and I’m still in shock that I get to run Boston while fundraising for Boston Children’s Hospital!” she said.
Murphy feels connected to all three Watertown Elementary Schools, having previously taught at Cunniff Elementary School, and three of her kids attended Hosmer for a few years.
Wermer has long been a fan of the Boston Marathon, and has had her eye on running the Boston Marathon for years.
“I’ve always wanted to run the Boston Marathon, dating back to my days at Boston College when I would cheer for the runners on Heartbreak Hill,” she said. “My family and I go every year — and not just for an hour or two, but for the whole day! We get there for the elite runners and stay until the last wave comes through!”
While the pair will not be running with their respective teams, they will help each other out on and off the racecourse.
“We both live in the same city, so there’s a good chance we’ll do some training runs together,” Wermer said. “We’ve been very supportive of each other — helping with fundraising ideas and strategies, sharing resources, and donating to each other. It’s been a huge support to have Maureen with me on this journey!”
Wermer has set up a page (https://www.givengain.com/project/cheryl-raising-funds-for-familyaid-boston-89862), and said that sometimes companies provide matching donations. She also plans several fundraisers, such as bake sales, Super Bowl Squares, and an auction.
Murphy also has a fundraising site, (https://secure.childrenshospital.org/site/TR/ActiveEvents/ActiveEvents?px=3036227&pg=personal&fr_id=2551) “Even 5 dollars can make a difference!” she said.