Every year, the Pittsburgh Marathon gives runners the chance to go the extra mile in their participation and Run for a Reason. One Run for a Reason participant, Brittany Bloam Fink, chose Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation as her charity to support. We spent time getting to know Brittany and why she chose to run for Magee. Her story helps illustrate why Magee is important to so many.

Let’s support Brittany as she runs this race!

How did you get into running?

My dad was a runner. As I followed in his footsteps, I began running cross country in high school. While in college, my schedule got overloaded, and I lost my zeal for running. I picked it back up in law school, running a few marathons and about a dozen shorter races. Then during pregnancy and now with small children, it slipped through the cracks again. Since the pandemic, my life has remained sedentary.

I recently made the commitment to myself to start running again. I saw the Pittsburgh Marathon tickets go on sale during Black Friday, and I decided right then that I was going to sign up for this race and really challenge myself and recommit to taking better care of my body. It helps keep me grounded. It is the one thing I can do for myself, mentally and physically. I can do it by myself — no equipment needed. It is a way I can show up for myself, in a way no one else can. And it is an opportunity to set a good example for my girls.

Why did you choose to run for Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation?

As a civic-minded individual, when the opportunity to support or give back to my community presents itself, I take advantage. When I was signing up for the Marathon, I saw the opportunity to Run for a Reason. After I scoured my options, I selected Magee.

Magee walked me through two difficult pregnancies that presented life-threatening complications. Anyone who knows me knows my story and knows Magee. Since I haven't run a race since my girls were born, it seemed fitting to run for Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation (MWRIF).

Making the personal choice to run for MWRIF brings another level of accountability to the table. Not only did I commit to myself, but I am running for every person that donated.

Do you have a personal connection to UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital?

Magee was my home during two difficult pregnancies. Between battling my preeclampsia and gestational diabetes while pregnant, I was an inpatient at Magee for two or three weeks during one pregnancy. Despite all the complications, Magee was able to safely deliver my baby. I credit the team at Magee and their research with getting me back to health. And, when I developed high blood pressure after my second daughter's birth, I knew I was in good hands.

Once discharged, I never got the chance to see my care team again. That was a jarring experience, as they were in my life every day during my hospital stay. I wanted to let them know I gave birth, and we were both okay. Magee took such great care of me — it is something I will always remember.

What would you say to someone in training or considering Run for a Reason?

You may have to walk, but you will finish.

There is no blanketing the truth — It is hard to find time to run. Prioritizing training while balancing a family and a full-time job is a challenge. I don’t want anyone to see what I am doing and think I am a superhero. It is hard and it takes work. But you make the commitment to yourself and to your body and just start. Start running. Show up for yourself. Put it in your calendar and make it happen.

What's it been like fundraising for Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation?

Fundraising is both harder and easier than you expect. It is hard to put yourself out there and say, ‘Will you support me?’ But then I had two people donate that I haven’t spoken to in years.

Every time I get a donation, I remind myself, ‘Ok. Time to go run.’

I wanted my fundraising goal to be meaningful. My daughter was born on 12/1, which is also my dad's birthday. Hence, my $1201 goal. And we are almost there!