Curiosity has always been my driving force. But in 2002, my curiosity quest was forever changed—in ways I could have never imagined—by a woman I met through Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH).

My new friend, Katie Lynch, had a presence that immediately filled the room, a smile that penetrated hearts, and an impenetrable determination to push (and sometimes mow down) limiting boundaries of perception. Although we were both leading curious lives, Katie played much bigger; tackling seemingly insurmountable challenges with questions like “What if…?” or “Why not…?” and “Let’s try…and see what happens.”

Katie’s curious nature helped her overcome challenges few of us will ever experience. She had been born with a rare form of dwarfism. At 28 inches tall, 35 pounds and 27 years of age, she followed her curiosity and completed her version of the Boston Marathon, a more physically challenging feat than what a “typical” marathon runner endures.

Katie inspired me to fan the flames of my curiosity, pick my head up higher to see what I was missing, set my sights on more impactful endeavors, and be fearless in my quest to lead with curiosity. She once wrapped up these lessons in a gift bag that included a puzzle of a heart with “Yes You Can” inscribed on it in her handwriting, “The Little Engine That Could” book, a small purple heart, and a Curious George stuffed animal.
Katie passed away in October 2002, but her lessons have burned brighter in me every year since.