CCHC Team Goes the Distance
Pictured in back row: Ashley Childers, Amanda Aker, Krista Dolan, Meg Payne, Jesse Affonso, MD, and Megan Nichols, RN.
Front: Matt Lank, Christina Seymour, RN, Diana Johnson, RN (in purple), Lyssandra Ju, RN, Kinsey Leonard, DO (in pink), and Brian Najarian, MD.
Fueled by community spirit and determination, employees reflect on running the Falmouth Road Race in support of VNA Hospice.
For veteran runner Christina Seymour, RN, of Cape Cod Hospital’s Emergency Services, the Falmouth Road Race once again proved unforgettable. Running the race for the seventh time, Christina gathered her ER teammates at 5:45 a.m. sharp—earning some playful teasing for her punctuality.
“We walked the mile to the [Lawrence] School to catch the bus and had a great time laughing together,” says Seymour, adding she can’t wait to run it again next year. While the final hill proved challenging, Christina pushed through to the finish, proud of her personal victory over colleague Matt Lank. Afterward, she celebrated with pasta and a well-deserved margarita.
Her story was just one of many on Sunday, August 17, when more than 11,000 runners braved hot, humid, 80-degree weather for the iconic seven-mile race. Among them were members of the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation Team—from surgeons and ER nurses to project managers and financial specialists—all running together in support of the VNA Hospice program.
For first-time runner Amanda Aker, manager of psychiatric financials at Cape Cod Healthcare, the experience was nothing short of incredible. Inspired by the care her family members received through hospice, Amanda joined the team to give back. “The race was truly one of the best experiences I have had,” says Aker, who wore sparkles on her face for a touch of fun. “The crowd cheering my name definitely pushed me to the finish line.”
A highlight came when she spotted her husband cheering at mile 4.5. With her upbeat and energetic “She’s a Runner” playlist fueling her stride, Amanda crossed the finish line and rewarded herself with a celebratory Big Mac.
To help keep runners cool, volunteers handed out cups of crushed ice, spectators passed out orange wedges and freezer pops, and people along the course sprayed water from garden hoses. The streets were lined with supportive signs and enthusiastic cheers to help fuel the athletes mile after mile.
“The crushed ice station was a LIFE SAVER,” says Krista Dolan, a project manager in IT. “A big thanks to all of the kind people with their hoses and kids with water guns; I stopped at every single one! As painful as it was, I’m still glad that I did it. All for a good cause!”
Though the heat was intense, the spirit of teamwork, community and purpose carried Cape Cod Healthcare runners across the finish line. As Amanda sums it up: “It was a wonderful experience and I cannot wait to do it again!”
Click through the slideshow of photos to experience the energy, scenic views and celebration surrounding the race (click arrow at right or swipe left on mobile).
Jesse Affonso, MD, and Brian Najarian, MD, soak up the views on their way to the start line in Woods Hole.
Team CCHC: Amanda Aker, Krista Dolan, Meg Payne, Jesse Affonso, MD, and Brian Najarian, MD, get ready to run the iconic 7.2-mile Falmouth Road Race.
Maeve Crehan, right, ran the race alongside her mom, Nuala Crehan (center), and her friend, Kendra. Maeve is an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation at Falmouth Hospital, while her mom is a retail pharmacist at Cape Cod Hospital.
More than 11,000 runners lined up at the start line in Woods Hole on August 17, 2025.
A memorable moment: Runners power past the iconic Nobska Light.
In the first mile of the race, runners enjoy scenic water views with Nobska Light shining in the distance.
Runners make their way along the course with sweeping views of Vineyard Sound, one of the most rewarding sights of the race.
Meg Payne of the VNA and Lisa Connors of Marketing Communications pick up their race number at the health & fitness expo, held at the Falmouth High School Field House the Thursday before the race.
Jamie Everett, LPN at McCarthy Care Center and owner of Calico Lobster, a freeze-dried candy business in East Falmouth, participates in the three-day health and fitness expo.
The ER team pauses for a quick photo in the bus line before heading to the start.
Selfie by the sea: The ER team strikes a pose before the race.
