Tumor Trauma Behind Them, Moorestown Couple Runs Boston Marathon Together

Almost two full years after having surgery to remove a benign tumor from his head—surgery that for a long time kept him from running—Brad Zimmerman joined his wife (and thousands of others) in the Boston Marathon last week.

More than two years ago, doctors discovered a rare tumor growing on the nerve connecting Brad's brain and ear. Though benign, this type of tumor compresses the brain stem and can damage other nerves as it grows, affecting hearing and balance, even vision. Surgeons at Massachusetts Eyes and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) successfully removed the tumor in May 2010.

Zimmerman's wife, Terry,  as a tribute of sorts to her husband and the physicians at MEEI. Brad was unable to join her, as he was still recovering from surgery. But this year, fully recovered, they both ran and together put behind them a challenging chapter of their lives.

“During the recovery process, there were times when I just wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to do this again,” said Brad, a lifelong runner. “Being able to go out and complete this was closing the book on the whole tumor experience … I felt that I’ve come back totally from this.”

The Zimmermans completed the marathon in 5 hours and 35 minutes (only three hours behind the winner, Kenyan Wesley Korir). The unseasonably warm weather—hovering in the mid-80s most of the race—made for a "brutal" race, Brad said, but the encouragement of the crowd, and their own personal motivations, spurred them on.

In an email to Moorestown Patch, the Zimmermans wrote, “The community support of the Boston Marathon is second to none. The community came out in mass with hoses, ice cubes, drinks, nourishment and, of course, cheers to keep us all going.”

The Zimmermans participated in the race with a team of MEEI supporters—which included physicians and staff members, as well as other patients—who collectively raised more than $326,000 in donations for patient programs and care. Brad and Terry alone raised $21,000.

Brad said he and his wife will continue to give to MEEI on a personal level, but haven’t yet decided whether they’ll run in the 2013 Boston Marathon.

The Zimmermans hope to inspire others with their story, either to support MEEI or simply to run in the marathon.

“Boston is like no other race in the country—maybe the world,” Brad said. “If you have a marathon to accomplish on your bucket list, this is the one to do.”

Anyone that would like to join Team Eye and Ear for the 2013 Boston Marathon can contact Kristina Sym at marathon@meei.harvard.edu or by calling 617-573-6364.