On Sunday, April 6th, I had the privilege of photographing the Race to Cure Sarcoma in Boston for the second year in a row. Held at the iconic Boston Common, this meaningful 5K event brought together survivors, families, supporters, and healthcare professionals—all united by a single goal: to raise awareness and funds for sarcoma research.

The weather brought some rain here and there, but the energy remained strong and joyful. Nothing could lessen the determination of the participants or the sense of community that filled the park. Smiles, hugs, laughter, and even a few tears were shared as people gathered not just to run, but to make a difference.

Adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the morning, Wally the Green Monster, the beloved mascot of the Boston Red Sox, made a surprise appearance! With high-fives, hugs, and silly dance moves, Wally brought big smiles to runners of all ages—and made sure the kids had a blast before and after the race.

Three people wearing cold weather running gear pose together at a charity race event in a park with pink blossoming trees.
Two people enjoy a walk through a park with winter trees in the background on an overcast day.
Boston Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster poses in his white jersey with a companion outdoors during a team event.
Three runners wearing matching blue branded shirts and race bibs stand together smiling outdoors during an event.
A close-up view of multiple circular yellow and silver buttons or pins arranged in overlapping rows.
A group poses with the Boston Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster at an outdoor event during autumn.
A person in a blue shirt signs an autograph for a young fan at an outdoor event.
A person in a winter hat laughs with Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster at Fenway Park.
Group of people in winter coats gathered outdoors on grassy area with a fluffy white dog visible in background.

Organized by the Sarcoma Foundation of America, the Race to Cure Sarcoma is a national series of fundraising races that support cutting-edge research and increase public awareness of sarcoma cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects soft tissue and bone.

A pink sticky note with 'Make a Heart' written on it hangs alongside colorful heart shapes in the background.
Wally the Green Monster mascot poses with supporters at an outdoor charity event on a fall day.
Small brown Yorkshire Terrier dog wearing teal jacket held by person in orange beanie at outdoor community event.
A group of people gathered outdoors on a cold day for a casual conversation in a park with red autumn foliage.
A speaker in a yellow hood and blue shirt addresses a crowd at an outdoor event with blue and yellow balloons.
Crowd gathers at outdoor event with blue and yellow balloon decorations on brick pathway near bare winter trees.
People celebrating together at outdoor event with balloons and winter cityscape in background.
Marathon spectators gather in chilly weather to support runners during a rainy race day in Boston.
Student in winter coat speaks into microphone at outdoor event with blue and yellow balloon decorations in background.

One of the most emotional parts of the morning was the ceremony where the community honored those currently battling sarcoma, celebrated sarcoma survivors, and paid tribute to the loved ones lost to the disease. These heartfelt moments served as a powerful reminder of why this race matters so much.

As a Boston event photographer, I am incredibly grateful to document these powerful stories through my lens. Events like this go far beyond the race itself—they’re about connection, remembrance, and hope for a cure.

Blue and yellow balloons decorate a stone gazebo in a park during a community event.
Collection of circular yellow and white medals or badges with ARCGMA branding displayed on dark blue fabric background.
People wearing rain gear and warm winter clothing stand bundled up together in cold wet weather conditions.
A person with a microphone wearing a black t-shirt with text that reads 'LET KNOW IF YOU FIND MY ARM' speaks outdoors.
A group gathers at a community event with blue jackets, yellow balloons, and red tents on a brick pathway.
Group of runners gathered under a gazebo on wet brick pathway during rainy weather wearing blue athletic gear.
Crowd of marathon participants lined up at starting point under stone gazebo on rainy brick pathway.
A person in a red sweatshirt embraces a blue balloon mascot in front of stone steps with yellow flowers nearby.
Runners take off from a red inflatable START arch at an outdoor race event on a wet spring day with cherry blossoms visible.
Marathon runners in blue jerseys compete in a race as spectators watch from the sidelines on a cloudy day.

📸 You can view and download the photo gallery from this year’s event here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/Location/PhotographybyIsabelaRosa/MA/Boston/RaceToCureSarcomaBos?fbclid=IwY2xjawJrR3tleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHpEE6imJlCFJNmukWVGHlsSL3lFN9csu4bXx4g9-gjKqlcIuEYhjne91YQmj_aem_Y00DbLdP0rh4cODeR02z-Q


Whether you participated, supported someone who did, or are just learning about this incredible cause, I invite you to visit the Sarcoma Foundation's website to learn more: curesarcoma.org/race-to-cure-sarcoma

See you next year, Boston. Rain or shine, we race for a cure.

Two runners in blue jackets jog along a brick path under red berry branches on a cool spring day.
Participants crossing finish line at outdoor charity race event on brick pathway surrounded by spring trees.
Marathon runner in blue shirt passing through red inflatable arch gateway during outdoor race in park setting.
Two runners jog along a wet brick path in a park during what appears to be a race event.
Group of runners in blue shirts and athletic gear jogging along a brick path through a park on an overcast day.
Runners in blue shirts jog along a brick path in a park with blooming cherry trees on a spring day.
Runners get race bibs and instructions at a cold outdoor event on a grassy field.
Runners gather at a red inflatable starting arch at an outdoor race event on a rainy day in a park setting.
Runner celebrates at finish line under red inflatable arch during outdoor race event.
Runners pass through a red inflatable START arch during an outdoor race event in a park setting.
Participant gestures while crossing start line at outdoor running event with red inflatable arch.
Group of runners in blue shirts celebrating together after a race with medals and race bibs.
Three runners pose together at a race finish line with balloons and medals near an SFA branded backdrop.
Runners crossing finish line at outdoor racing event on rainy winter day with orange cones marking path.