Cheering on our Questrom Terrier Boston Marathon Runners

April 16, 2026

An awe-inspiring group of Questrom undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty, will take on the Boston Marathon this Monday, April 20, 2026, demonstrating both personal grit and a commitment to social impact. 

Grace Sciacca, Sabrina Hardin, Teresa Bandera, Ray Angelone, Elijah Paintsil and Sarah Nadeau are each running in support of organizations advancing research, medical care, coaching, community-based initiative, and more. 

Starting in Hopkinton, they’ll cover about 25 miles before passing the Questrom building near the finish stretch. Their journey captures the Questrom spirit of creating value through hard work and service to others.

Grace Sciacca, BSBA ’26, is running the 2026 Boston Marathon in support of Newton-Wellesley Hospital. After being diagnosed this past summer with a rare and potentially life-threatening condition, Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), Grace was admitted to Newton-Wellesley, where her care team quickly identified the condition and guided her through treatment with compassion and optimism.

“I’m incredibly grateful to join the Newton-Wellesley community and to have the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way,” she shares. “When I first learned about my diagnosis, the idea of running a marathon felt daunting—but it’s something I’ve always dreamed of. Through the challenges of treatment, I’ve learned to push forward, and I hope my journey shows others that no obstacle is too great to overcome.”

A lifelong athlete, Grace competed in 13 varsity seasons in high school, including cross country, where her love of running began. At BU, she’s a member of the Women’s Club Hockey Team and continues to stay active. Being part of communities that support her—especially the Newton-Wellesley family—has made it possible for her to keep doing what she loves.

Sabrina Hardin, MBA ’26, a second-year Full-Time MBA student, is running in support of Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School. She was first introduced to the organization during MBA orientation, where she participated in a day of team-building on the island.

“I left that experience with confidence in my ability to solve problems alongside cross-cultural teammates, the courage to try something new, and the resilience to persevere through challenges,” she says.

“I am honored to be running the 2026 Boston Marathon on behalf of Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School. Through this effort, I am raising funds to support future generations of students from under-resourced communities in Boston—empowering them to build confidence, embrace challenges, and discover what they are capable of.”

Teresa Bandera’27, is running in support of the Lingzi Foundation. As a Boston University student, this cause holds particular meaning.

“Supporting the foundation felt especially meaningful because Lingzi Lu was also a BU student,” Teresa shares. “Her legacy of kindness, curiosity, and cross-cultural connection deeply resonates with me. Running the Boston Marathon is a small way to honor her memory while supporting future students who want to make a positive impact.”

Running has been an important part of Teresa’s life since high school, and this race allows her to connect that passion with a cause tied to the BU community.

Lecturer Ray Angelone is running in support of Mass General Hospital—a place that played a critical role in his life.

“I could hardly say no when given the opportunity to run Boston and support their mission,” he shares. “I had pancreatic cancer surgery there in 2019 and am forever indebted.”

Mass General’s work in advancing research and treatment for complex conditions continues to inspire him. “The team is extraordinary—both highly skilled and deeply compassionate. I’m proud to be running to support them.”

For Ray, running is also personal: “It’s how I navigate life’s bittersweet moments. I often remind myself—eyes up, straighten up, one more step.”

Ethan Cadorette ’26 is running the marathon as a personal milestone. “I started running three years ago when I transferred to Boston University,” he says. “What began as a hobby quickly became something I’m deeply passionate about.”

For Ethan, qualifying for the Boston Marathon represents the pinnacle of achievement—especially growing up in Massachusetts. “Being able to share this moment with my friends and family is something I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.”

Running has shaped his mindset, reinforcing discipline, consistency, and perseverance—values that extend into his academic and professional goals.

Elijah Paintsil and Sarah Nadeau, both in the same Part-Time Flex MBA cohort, are taking on the Boston Marathon together. Sarah recently launched her own company, Firstlight Running Co., with support from BU resources. A seasoned runner, she has completed seven marathons and qualified for Boston based on her speed—now coaching others to achieve their goals.

Elijah, Chief of Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center, ran the marathon last year and returns again this year. He is also running internationally, including a race in Tokyo with his son. This year, he’s running in support of Boston Medical Center, continuing his commitment to both medicine and community impact.

Last but not least, we’re cheering on Cindy Smith, a dedicated Questrom alumna, member of our Women’s Council, and founder of Pen & Paces, a brand that produces fun promotional gear for runners, will be running the London Marathon the week after the Boston Marathon.

The Questrom Community is cheering on all of our runners, including William Bishop, Clemente Carranza, and Chloe Trudel, as they join more than 30,000 participants in this year’s Boston Marathon, each taking on 26.2 miles for reasons that go far beyond the finish line.