2025 Patient Partners

Patient Partners are essential members of the Credit Unions Kids at Heart. Each of these children has received or presently receives, care and treatment from Boston Children’s Hospital for various pediatric neurological disorders and conditions. Their partnership and personal stories serve as inspiration for the Team’s efforts to fund research and clinical trials to combat pediatric neurological disorders.

Click on the photos below to learn to see how long these great kids have been part of Credit Unions Kids at Heart and a fun fact about them.

Anthony
Anthony is a smart, happy, young man with a charismatic personality. He and his family have been with the Credit Unions Kids at Heart Team since 2019, and this will be their fourth Boston Marathon. His runner is Jeff Maher.
Everett
Everett and his family have been part of the Credit Unions Kids at Heart Team since 2010. Everett's mom describes him as a "typical, stubborn, goofy teen with an infectious laugh and smile." His runner is Dr. Ed Smith.
Isla
Isla and her family are new to the Credit Unions Kids at Heart Team (2023). Isla's mom describes her as someone that "embodies the epitome of sweetness, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her endearing nature, combined with her charming sense of humor and compassionate spirit, sets her apart." Her runner is Justin Herold.
Jackson
Jackson and his family have been members of the Credit Unions Kids at Heart Team since 2014. Jackson is a Moyamoya survivor. He is active, funny, and friendly, and is a big supporter of his Team at events. Jackson's runner is Dr. Alfred See.
Maddy
Maddy is a clever and cute girl who never fails to spread joy around with her giggles. She only started walking on her own in 2019 but is already skiing! Maddy and her family have been on the Team since 2014, and her runner is Mike Gillespie.
Matt
Matt loves to chat and always asks new friends about their favorite things. He and his family have been a part of our Team since 2012, and his mom Kris is an alumni runner. David Spolidoro is running for Matt this year.
Ryan
Ryan is a smart and determined teen gaining new independence every day! Ryan has a great sense of humor and his long
time friend Dan Ziniti will be running again for him this year. He and his family have been a part of our Team since 2015.
Tim
With a huge smile and kind heart, Tim is the Team's designated big brother. His family has participated since 2003. Tim is a big Boston sports nut and an inspiration to many. Dan Ziniti is running for Tim this year.
Vraj
Vraj is a loveable young man who loves spending time with his teammates. He loves music, hugs, and bike riding. He and his family have been on the Team since 2017. His runner is a friend and alumni runner, Todd Millay.
In Memory of CJ
CJ Buckley was a bright young man whose life was full of promise and adventure. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 16 and passed away a year later. His parents, Lucy and Carter, have been on the Team since 2017, and the story of their beloved son's kindness and bravery has served as inspiration for all of our Runners. Credit Unions Kids at Heart has honored his memory since 2017 with a research fund in support of the CJ Buckley Foundation.

Join Us

If you are or know of a family with a child who has been treated at Boston Children’s Hospital for Cerebral Palsy, Moyamoya disease, pediatric brain cancer, Epilepsy, or seizure disorders, please contact us at cukidsatheart@eascorp.org or 800.428.1144 to learn how you can join our Credit Unions Kids at Heart family.