One week from today, thousands of runners will take their first steps from Hopkinton Common. Among them will be Elizabeth Roche, a Hopkinton native running on behalf of Live4Evan, a local nonprofit that provides housing for families traveling to Boston for pediatric cardiac care.
A Hometown Start
The Boston Marathon begins in Hopkinton every year. For Roche, the starting line is steps from home.
“As a fellow Hopkinton native, running the Boston Marathon has always been a dream of mine,” Roche said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run in memory of Evan and to support families who must travel to Boston for congenital cardiac care.”
Roche has trained extensively in the lead-up to race day. And she has surpassed her fundraising goal ahead of the April 21 event.
About Live4Evan
Live4Evan was founded in memory of Evan Girardi, a Hopkinton native who died during his senior year of college. Girardi was born with a congenital heart defect called Corrected L-Transposition of the Great Arteries, a condition that redirects blood flow through the heart. He died from a heart arrhythmia.
His friends and family established Live4Evan to honor his memory and support other families facing similar challenges.
Seven Apartments, One Mission
Today, Live4Evan operates seven apartments located near Boston Children’s Hospital. The units provide temporary housing for out-of-town families whose children are receiving specialized cardiac treatment.
The housing helps reduce both the financial and emotional strain on families during critical periods of care. It allows parents and loved ones to remain close to a child who is undergoing treatment far from home.
How to Support Elizabeth’s Run
Donations to Live4Evan can be made in support of Roche’s marathon effort. The organization accepts contributions of any size. Every dollar raised supports families during their children’s hospital stays.
The 130th running of the Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 21, 2026. The race begins, as it always does, in Hopkinton.
If you would like to learn more about Elizabeth or support her fundraising efforts, please visit her page here. Thank you for your support! 💙💛
