On July 27, 2019, Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program. hosted its 10th annual Run to Home Base presented by New Balance 5K/9K fundraiser. This year marked an important milestone for the organization as Home Base celebrated the 10th anniversary of its largest fundraiser.
“Home Base provided a path to healing I struggled to find on my own. Home Base gave me hope.”
A total of 2,464 participants from 41 states raised $2.3 million in support of Home Base’s mission to heal the invisible wounds of war for veterans and their families. Included in the 2,464 participants were more than 700 veterans, active duty, guard and reserve service members; 88 participants who raised $2,500 or more individually; and 59 10-year participants.
The Run to Home Base’s “10-Year Runners” were recognized during a special prerace ceremony, which featured Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Peter L. Slavin, MD, Mass General president and Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner.
Run to Home Base Milestone
Chris Gemmer, a Navy SEAL and Home Base veteran, spoke about the impact Home Base has had on his life.
“Along with the exceptional care I received, and with the support of the other veterans and active duty service members in my treatment cohort, I was able to look into the mirror, face many of my issues, and begin to deal with them,” he said. “Home Base provided a path to healing I struggled to find on my own. Home Base gave me hope.”
“Home Base is truly the product of a grateful nation.”
Held before a Red Sox vs. Yankees game at Fenway Park, the ceremony recognized veterans and military families who have benefited from Home Base, first responder champions, community and national partners and Home Base staff.
“Home Base is truly the product of a grateful nation,” said retired Brig. Gen. Jack Hammond, executive director of Home Base. “We are continuously growing and expanding our boundaries, both geographically and intellectually, to reach new heights in offering innovation and rigor to help veterans and their families facilitate successful transitions to civilian life. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we look forward to many more.”
To learn more about how you can support Home Base, please contact us.
This story first appeared in MGH Hotline, a publication for employees and staff of Mass General.
