Not all heroes wear capes, sometimes they wear sneakers.
At age 79, Dr. Michael Holick is preparing to run the Boston Marathon to raise awareness for a group of patients he’s long championed: those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It will be the second time he has completed this historic and rigorous road race. Although the number of birthdays may make him one of the oldest people running this April, there is little question that this highly accomplished, world renowned endocrinologist and researcher has the grit and the drive to do it.
Dr. Holick has spent the last four decades studying bone, calcium, and connective tissue disorders. He is internationally recognized as a pioneer in vitamin D research, has published over 600 peer-reviewed papers and served as chair of NASA’s Research Committee on Human Health and Performance, helping to safeguard the bone health of astronauts for over 30 years. As the Director of the Ehlers-Danlos Clinical Research Program at Boston University, Dr. Holick has treated or followed more than 3,000 children and adults with EDS and his latest research is helping to better shape understanding of the complexity of connective tissue disease.
He is no stranger to tough challenges.
Dr. Holick has spent an entire career advocating for patients with complex medical conditions. His work as a medical expert defending families accused of medical child abuse has made him controversial in some medical circles and even railroaded his career. Yet despite the controversy, Holick remained committed to science and patient care, continuing to research, teach, and testify on behalf of families who had nowhere else to turn. He is one of very few medical experts who do not charge families for his time to review cases and the families he has helped remain fiercely loyal and grateful.
“Dr. Holick gave us answers when no one else would listen,” explained mom Sarah Thompson, whose daughter was diagnosed with hypermobile EDS after years of unexplained injuries. “To know he’s running in honor of families like ours—is deeply meaningful.” The feeling is mutual. “I’m running for my patients who have shaped my life’s work,” Holick explains. “They’ve been through so much, and their stories need to be heard.”
This year’s race is especially personal. Holick is dedicating his run to Kira Serisky of Vermont and Karen Richards of Medfield Massachusetts, two young women who lost their lives to complications linked to EDS. Their stories are featured in the upcoming documentary Complicated by Open Eye Pictures. Kira was a passionate animal rescuer who fostered dozens of kittens; Karen authored a children’s book, When I Close My Eyes about disability and resilience. Karen also donated her body to BU and is part of Holick’s ongoing post-mortem EDS research, aimed at better understanding the biology behind this often-misdiagnosed and highly under supported disorder.
A husband, father, grandfather and stage III prostate cancer survivor, Holick began walking and strength training to maintain his health during treatment. By 2023, he set an ambitious new goal: to run the Boston Marathon.
On April 21st, on the roads from Hopkinton to Boston, the Professor will attempt to teach that important lesson once again.
To learn more about Dr. Holick’s marathon mission and to support his run in honor of Kira, Karen, and the entire EDS community, visit: drmichaelholick.org/marathon
April 2025
