Charity Walk Moves to Revere Beach

One can hardly mention the name ‘Doc Bob’ without getting a story about how the late orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Robert Harney, cared for a person in a way above and beyond what would be expected of any physician – let alone a surgeon.

He would make house calls during snowstorms.

He would take detours from his personal life to check on a recuperating patient.

He even once changed the color of a patient’s arm cast in order to match her prom dress.

Unfortunately, this past June, Dr. Harney passed away due to a form of stomach cancer.

To honor his memory, this year on Aug. 18th, the annual Stride4Health charity walk will take on Dr. Harney’s name and will debut on Revere Beach.

“I remember one time Doc Bob had repaired my knee and I was at home one night after the operation and he showed up in a tuxedo to check on me,” said Kevin Chiles of the Madison Group, who is helping coordinate the walk. “He was on his way to a gala and said he just had to stop by. He was an incredible guy. He made you want to be a better man.”

The Dr. Bob Harney Strides4Health Walk is a collaborative effort to raise awareness and funds for the Cardiology, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine programs at Hallmark Health Systems. It also helps to support the Boston Bruins Foundation in order to better the lives of children in need all over New England. Hallmark Health is sponsoring the event and has made a $10,000 donation already.

Dr. Harney was associated with Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, which is part of the Hallmark system.

Making an appearance will be Boston Bruin Shawn Thornton, as well as former Olympic hockey star and Winthrop resident Mike Eruzione.

Dr. Harney grew up in East Boston and lived in Winthrop for many years. He served patients from all over the area, including Revere and Chelsea.

Registration for the walk on Saturday, Aug. 18th, will start at 7:30 a.m. on Revere Beach behind the State Police Barracks. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. and will wind its way up and down Revere Beach.

Register online at docbobwalk.com.

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