In just a few weeks, 10 Cape Cod Healthcare employees—from surgeons and ER nurses to project managers and financial specialists—will go the distance in the iconic Falmouth Road Race on August 17. Running as part of this year’s Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation team, they’re hitting the pavement in support of the VNA Hospice program. We recently caught up with many of them to learn what drives them, what’s on their playlists and the mantras that keep them moving mile after mile.
Jesse Affonso, MD
Orthopedic surgeon
Cape Cod Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Jesse Affonso, MD, is no stranger to the Falmouth Road Race. A self-proclaimed on-and-off runner since high school, Jesse has embraced the spirit of the race the past three years as part of the Cape Cod Healthcare team. “This is as close to a marathon atmosphere as I’ll ever get,” says Jesse. “The crowd, the garage bands, the funny signs—even the spin class happening along the course—it’s electric.”
His personal mantra? “Don’t stop.” Unless, of course, someone’s in extreme medical distress.
Fueling his pace is a nonstop soundtrack of “Big Bootie Mix” on Spotify, the same high-energy playlist he often listens to in the OR. “If you haven't ever listened to it, I suggest you start! You will definitely increase your pace,” says Jesse. “You are welcome for the tip!”
This year, his goal is to have fun and edge out his colleague, Brian Najarian, MD, who is also running on behalf of CCHC. But underneath the competitive banter is a deeper motivation. “I’m inspired by my patients who are aging gracefully by enjoying their grandchildren, engaging in athletic activities and traveling the world into their 80s and 90s. Movement really is the best medicine,” he says. And Jesse is taking that prescription to heart.
Meg Payne, MBA
Director of Public Health, Provider Relations & Telehealth, Visiting Nurse Association
Meg Payne is lacing up her sneakers once again for the Falmouth Road Race, an event that holds deep meaning for both her mind and her heart. A casual runner for the past 20 years, Meg first found joy in running as a teenager, and today, she turns to it as a vital source of mental clarity and peace.
This marks Meg’s sixth time running the iconic Falmouth course. “My goal is always to finish strong, take in the scenery and soak up the incredible energy,” she says. As a proud Swiftie, Meg finds motivation in music—especially Taylor Swift. “Last year, I saw a sign that said, ‘The Tortured Runners Department,’ a twist on her latest album. Another one said, ‘That hill deserves prison but won’t get time,’ which had her laughing through the pain. She plans to blast “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” as she powers through the final stretch in Falmouth Heights.
Meg is especially proud to run on behalf of CCHC’s VNA Hospice program, a cause close to her heart. “Running the Falmouth Road Race gives me a meaningful opportunity to contribute and help spread the word about the incredible gift of hospice care,” says Meg. As the cheers of the crowd carry her toward the finish, Meg runs not just for herself, but for the comfort and compassion that hospice brings to others.
Krista Dolan
Project Manager, ITS Project Management Office
This year marks the third Falmouth Road Race for Krista Dolan and her second as a proud member of Team CCHC. Though she’s been running sporadically since high school, Krista found new motivation after becoming a mom. “Now that my kids are old enough to cheer me on, it makes it even more special,” she says.
For Krista, Falmouth is more than just a race. It’s a family tradition and a personal challenge. “My favorite part is seeing my family at the top of the hill before the finish line—once I see them, I know I’ve made it!” says Krista.
With a playlist that ranges from pop to hip-hop, it was Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” blasting on Grand Avenue last year that gave her the push she needed.
This year, her goal is simple: finish strong and upright despite the summer heat. Running on behalf of CCHC gives her added purpose. “It gives me a sense of pride to fundraise for the community I work and live in,” says Krista says. Her mantra? “You can do hard things.”
Brian Najarian, MD, orthopedic surgeon
Cape Cod Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Dr. Brian Najarian may not consider himself a runner, but that’s not stopping him from taking on the Falmouth Road Race for the first time this August.
“I’ve lived in Falmouth for over 10 years and always wanted to try it,” says Najarian.
While this is his road race debut, Brian is jumping in with a sense of humor and a competitive streak. His goal? “To beat Jesse Affonso, who looks like a mailbox when he runs—his words, not mine.”
Inspired by his colleague and friend Jesse, Brian is ready to embrace the challenge, powered by an unexpected musical motivator: Celine Dion. When the going gets tough, he channels Dory from “Finding Nemo” and tells himself, “Just keep swimming.”
With a mix of heart, humor and determination, Brian’s first race is sure to be memorable.
Lyssandra Ju, RN,
Emergency Services, Cape Cod Hospital
Lyssandra has been a dedicated runner for more than half her life since high school. She first experienced the magic of the Falmouth Road Race during its 50th anniversary, just after COVID, and she’s been hooked ever since. “The energy of the crowd is amazing and the atmosphere can't be beat,” says Lyssandra.
What draws her back year after year isn’t just the excitement, but the challenge. “The humidity, the heat, the hills. Every part of the course pushes you,” says Lyssandra. For her, the race is about more than just finishing. “I always have a goal to challenge and beat my previous times,” she adds.
As someone who spends her days helping others in a fast-paced ER, Lyssandra finds joy in pushing herself on the course, powered by strength and grit to reach the finish line.
Amanda Aker
Manager of Psychiatric Financials
Amanda Aker only began running in February of this year after discovering the running community on Instagram, but her reason for lacing up goes far beyond the finish line. Inspired by the incredible care provided to both her grandmother and her husband’s grandmother during hospice, Amanda felt inspired to give back by running on behalf of Cape Cod Healthcare’s VNA Hospice team.
“This cause is very close to my heart,” says Amanda, manager of psychiatric financials at CCHC. “The care provided by the hospice nurses and caretakers was amazing, and I truly believe it takes special people to do this work.”
This will be Amanda’s first official road race, and she’s thrilled to be part of the CCHC Foundation Team for the iconic race. Her goal? “To have fun and soak in the energy and excitement of the runners and the spectators!”
When the miles get tough, Amanda turns to a personal mantra: “You are strong and you can do this!” She also finds motivation in a meaningful running companion: audiobooks. “It’s a great way to fit in reading time and get absorbed in a story.”
Matt Lank, Clinical Leader
Emergency Services, Cape Cod Hospital
For Matt Lank, running is personal. “It’s where the only competition is me,” says Matt. “It’s how I clear my mind.” While he’s been running on and off most of his life, the last six years have been his most consistent—and this August marks his third time running the Falmouth Road Race.
Unlike most races, Falmouth is different for Matt. “I don’t usually run with big groups, so the fanfare and cheers are outside the norm for me,” he said. “But for that one day, I get out of my head and enjoy the moment.”
Music is key to keeping his rhythm and focus, and race day calls for fast-paced beats from artists like Eminem or Wu-Tang Clan—“not always in my daily rotation, but perfect for pacing.”
His goal this year? To beat his previous time and hope the humidity holds off. His inspiration? The ER team. “They’re family. They’ve supported me through the RUCK and now several of us have run Falmouth together. They inspire me every day.”
Megan Nichols, RN
Emergency Services, Cape Cod Hospital
Megan Nichols has been running for 12 years, ever since joining the cross-country team as a high school freshman. This August, she’ll take on the Falmouth Road Race for the very first time. It's an opportunity she’s both excited and grateful for.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my CCH teammates at the finish line,” says Megan. “My goal is to finish strong and have fun.”
When she runs, Megan finds motivation in upbeat throwbacks from the 2000s—especially anything by Flo Rida. But it’s a fellow ER nurse who gave her the ultimate push to join the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation team.
“Christina Seymour inspired me to run for CCHC,” shares Megan. “She was my preceptor when I was a new nurse, and I’m so thankful to now be running alongside her.”
Christina Seymour
RN, Emergency Services, Cape Cod Hospital
For Christina Seymour, the Falmouth Road Race is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a heartfelt journey. A seasoned runner with 15 years of experience, Christina is taking on the race for the seventh time this August, once again representing Cape Cod Healthcare with pride. “It’s my favorite race of the year,” says Christina. “The beautiful course and incredible community support make it truly special.”
Christina brings a deeply personal touch to her run by dedicating each mile to a family member or friend. She doesn’t run with music, choosing instead to stay present and focused throughout the course. Her biggest inspiration? The Cape Cod Hospital Emergency Room team. “My whole ER crew always inspires me,” she says.
