Give & Take: A Q&A Between Two "Best Buddies"

March is ‘Best Buddies’ month, an annual celebration by Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This is an incredible organization that I’ve been a part of and has allowed me to meet my amazing friend, Jillian.

Jillian and I first met back in 2014 when I signed up to be a “peer buddy” through our middle school’s Best Buddies program. We became fast friends and have remained close following our high school graduations and through my move to college and later to New York City. Reflecting on our long friendship, I am so grateful that Best Buddies’ mission fostered our friendship.

Volunteering with Best Buddies showed me the tangible impact nonprofit organizations can have on those they serve, and those who volunteer. It has inspired me to continue volunteering and fundraising with other organizations, and to join Give Back – our internal community affairs team – here at Prosek. Similarly, Jillian herself has become an advocate for causes she cares about. Having been a patient at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) since she was young, she continues to involve herself in the hospital’s Miles for Miracles program.

Runners in the Miles for Miracles program run races and raise money for BCH. They have the option to be paired with a patient partner. Jillian has spent 22 years as a patient partner and has had runners run in the Boston Marathon, NYC Marathon, London Marathon, and Falmouth Road Race on Cape Cod. I was lucky enough to be her runner for the 2022 NYC Marathon. Although Jillian is not obligated to fundraise as part of her participation in the program, she has raised thousands of dollars for BCH over the years.

In honor of both Best Buddies month and the Boston Marathon happening at the end of April, I sat down with Jillian to reflect on our friendship and the two organizations that mean so much to her. From leadership roles in high school to cheering on marathon runners, Jillian’s commitment to giving back continues to inspire me – and many others. Here’s what she had to say.

Q&A

Jane: When and how did you first get involved with the Best Buddies Organization?

Jillian: I first became involved with Best Buddies back in 2012 at our middle school. One of the middle school teachers organized three meetings per week which is how I met you and we became friends. We were involved with Best Buddies a total of 6 years, and we were co-presidents together during our senior year of high school. We are no longer officially involved with Best Buddies, but I will be forever grateful to the program for fostering our friendship.

Jane: What are some of your favorite activities we’ve done with Best Buddies?

Jillian: Getting to go to the Celtics game, have our photos taken on the court, and watch the players warm up was our first big event. This was a great start followed by many outings in our community, parties in participants’ homes, and meetings at school.

Jane: What was the best part of being in Best Buddies?

Jillian: It helped me make important lasting friendships, and it also helped me to develop leadership skills once you and I became co-presidents.

Jane: Now, thinking about your own volunteering – how did you first get involved with BCH’s Miles for Miracles program?

Jillian: My parents signed me up for the program in 2003 to give back to the hospital and say thank you to all the specialists, doctors, and nurses that provided such excellent care for me. Over my 22 years with the Program, I’ve been paired with many different runners. The entire Boston Marathon team each year is always one big happy family. This year’s team is no exception. The two runners that I’m paired with this year will be celebrating their 15^th and 5^th year anniversaries with The Team. I can’t wait to cheer them on Marathon Monday!

Jane: What does the term “give back” mean to you?

Jillian: My participation in the Miles for Miracles program has allowed me to fundraise, volunteer, and thank the hospital for all the world class care I have received there my entire life. I have volunteered during training runs on Saturday mornings by setting up water tables along the marathon route and cheering the runners on during the cold winter months. It is important for me to show the Team that I appreciate all the hard work they do to raise money for BCH. My involvement with the Miles for Miracles program has given me lifelong friendships, memorable moments, and a commitment to giving back.

If you’re interested in donating to Jillian’s Miles for Miracles team this year, please see the link here.