This summer I will be running in my 11th Falmouth Road Race, a 7-mile route along the shore of Cape Cod with about 12,000 other runners.

I started the streak when I was the Executive Director of a non-profit and used it as a fundraising source. I was associated with that non-profit for more than 35 years with roles as Ambassador Family, Board Member, Board Chair and fundraiser. I met every definition of a passionate supporter.

When I was furloughed in 2020, I no longer had access to the race, or an association with the non-profit that I had led. I quickly reached out to another non-profit that I knew was doing great work, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and requested the opportunity to run and raise money for them.

How I knew about the disease and the organization, and what inspired me to reach out had to do with a passionate CF supporter I had known for many years who is an unstoppable dad.

From my earliest days, I admired larger-than-life figures—Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier; Rex Trailer; Jimmy Piersall of the Red Sox; and Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics—they all served as my childhood heroes at a time.

As I grew older, new icons like Larry Bird, the Beach Boys, and Lee Iacocca (created the Mustang) took their place. As we age, we often become too busy or too realistic (cynical?) to assign the title 'hero' to anyone.

But that changed for me about 15 years ago, when I met someone who instantly became MY hero. That man, Bob Coughlin, shocked me when I met him with his passion, his intensity, his personal mission, and his relentless determination. I thought I was dedicated, but his level of persistence in support of his cause really humbled me.

After spending some time with him in his office, I was so impressed that I made an appointment with him to talk to my son, Joe so we could have some of his noble approach to life wear off on both of us.

Bob is not an average guy from Dedham, Massachusetts. When we first met, on a Harbor Cruise where fraternity alum of mine introduced us, he was serving as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio).

Over his 13-year tenure there, he transformed the organization, growing its membership from roughly 400 to over 1,400 companies, and establishing programs that supported purchasing, advocacy, professional development, and networking.

Under his leadership, MassBio became a prominent force in an industry that now supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide.

Yet, what truly sets Bob apart is not just his professional achievements, but the passion with which he embraced a cause that profoundly affects everyday families.

That cause? Cystic Fibrosis.

This disease leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas, resulting in chronic lung infections, persistent coughing, and severe digestive issues.

Bob had heard of cystic fibrosis because his sister-in-law told him that she had a niece and two nephews with this condition. Around the same time, he learned a longtime friend had children who were diagnosed with it.

Through his role as a Dedham selectman, Bob was able to help launch a Great Strides Walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He stepped up and became honorary chair for the event, raising awareness and money to search for a cure. 

Here is an excerpt from an article in KnowRare, a publication about rare diseases:

"The serendipity of that choice to champion causes for cystic fibrosis became very clear a few years later when his son Bobby was diagnosed. Bob says he began at that point to consider the intersections of policy, innovation, and regulations in treating rare diseases. He believes you need all three, plus philanthropy to invest in biotechnology, to make the kinds of advancements that lead to cures." 

With that in mind, Bob went on to serve in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. It wasn’t an easy choice to run for office with a sick baby at home, he says, but he remembered some advice he received from a counselor at Boston Children’s Hospital: “Why wouldn’t you keep going on with your life? You can be in a position to make laws that can help children with serious health conditions.”

As a representative, Bob worked on healthcare and healthcare financing legislation. Then, after leaving office, he became President and CEO of MassBio, where he championed innovative treatments for rare patients, including his son. “I wanted to dedicate 150 percent of my time working on the biotech industry and raising money for CF research.” 

So, we each knew that both of us were involved as 'champions' for our respective causes, but I knew that his impact was significantly greater than mine, and I knew mine was robust.

That's how heroes are defined-they are greater than us.

Through tireless work and impassioned speeches, Bob rallied scientists, philanthropists, and community leaders, raising millions of dollars to accelerate research and find breakthrough treatments for cystic fibrosis.

He also created Bobby’s Brigade so that grassroots fundraising was also a part of the mission.

Over the years, Bob and I attended each other's events. I think we are both proud to call each other a friend.

Bob also volunteered as the auctioneer at the annual Gala for my organization.

I am convinced that when he finally retires, he will move to Hollywood and be the host of Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, or Let's Make a Deal because he's better than the current hosts are at engaging an audience.

Bob's passion and dedication to his son Bobby and the CF cause really paid off.

A remarkable outcome of his efforts was the development of something called Trikafta—a revolutionary triple-combination therapy developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Approved by the FDA in October 2019, Trikafta 'corrects' the malfunctioning CFTR protein at the heart of cystic fibrosis, addressing the disease’s root cause rather than merely treating its symptoms.

Before Trikafta, treatments helped only a subset of patients. Trikafta’s innovative triple-modulator approach now benefits nearly 90% of those with cystic fibrosis, including patients like Bobby, who experienced dramatic improvements in lung function and overall quality of life. Bob is very proud to say that his son will outlive him now.

His fundraising efforts—and his leadership of initiatives like Bobby's Brigade in partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation—have been pivotal in paving the way for these scientific advancements.

His journey—from a dedicated state legislator to a transformative leader in biomedical innovation, and from a passionate advocate to a loving father—illustrates how personal hardship can be channeled into a powerful force for community change.

His tireless advocacy and groundbreaking work continue to inspire ongoing research, policy reforms, and a collective hope for a future where cystic fibrosis is no longer a life-threatening condition.

At the recent Annual Dinner of the Foundation, Bob was recognized with the ultimate award, and I was extremely honored to receive an award as well. Sharing the night with Bob was one of the highlights of my life, a testament to the extraordinary impact one person can have.

The best part of the evening for me was that we were both introduced with the same phrase before coming to the stage.

It is a phrase that many fathers in many situations would consider the absolute greatest compliment of their lives. 

That phrase?

We were both referred to as "Unstoppable Dads."

Thanks for the inspiration, Bob.

I'm convinced of this: Good, done anywhere, is good done everywhere.

Maya Angelou