Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Running In 2023 For Milford Regional

MILFORD, MA — An Uxbridge woman badly injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing will run the race this year for the first time — in part to support a Milford Regional Medical Center therapy program that helped her recover from the side effects of her injuries.

Michele Blackburn was standing near the marathon finish line on April 15, 2013, waiting to see a friend finish when a bomb detonated about 2 feet from where she was standing. Her injuries were so severe, doctors were ready to amputate one of her feet.

After years of physical therapy, Blackburn largely recovered from her injuries. But last spring — around the time Blackburn returned to the marathon finish line as a spectator for the first time since 2013 — she noticed unusual swelling in her legs. Blackburn was experiencing lymphedema, a buildup of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues under the skin.

Blackburn began seeing Milford Regional Medical Center physical therapist Eileen Valis-Kerr, who specializes in treating lymphedema.

"Valis-Kerr worked with Blackburn to develop a six-week plan of physical therapy consisting of exercises and compression and lymphatic massage that over time significantly reduced Blackburn’s lymphedema symptoms. Valis-Kerr’s prescribed plan allowed Blackburn to move forward with her marathon aspirations," Milford Regional said in a news release.

The Boston Athletic Association, which oversees the marathon, allows marathon bombing survivors to either run the race or gift a spot in the race to anyone of their choosing. Blackburn gave her spot to Peloton instructor Jess Sims in 2022. But watching Sims cross the finish line inspired Blackburn to try the race herself — an attempt made possible by the lymphedema therapy.

"Over the years, so many people told me I should run the marathon myself, but honestly it was never really on my radar," Blackburn said in a news release. "When I saw [Sims] cross the finish line, it really inspired me and that’s when I first thought, 'I might actually be able to run this myself.'"

Blackburn will run the 127th Boston Marathon on April 17 with Milford Regional as her charity. You can support her effort here.

"I’m just so grateful, and it’s my way of saying thank you," she said.