WOBURN, Mass. – Nine representatives of the Credit Unions of Massachusetts Kids at Heart program joined some 20,000 runners at the starting line of the 108th Boston Marathon. The CU of Massachusetts Kids at Heart program has been raising funds for the Children's Hospital Boston since 1996. Runner Tammy Plante, who represented Eastern Corporate Federal Credit Union (EasCorp) in the marathon, said that although she was injured and her doctor told her not to run, and the temperature reached 85 degrees, she would not have missed this opportunity. "It was by far the most amazing experience I've ever had," said Plante. "I felt the crowd cheering me on the whole way. I can't tell you how many times I heard `go Children's,' or `Keep running – Kayla and Maggie are counting on you.' Each time I heard that, it literally gave me a burst of energy and the determination to keep going." Plante ran on behalf of Kayla Biagiotti and Maggie King. Kayla, who is nine years old, has Mitochondrial Disease. Maggie is 10 and has Cerebral Palsy. EasCorp President/CEO Jane Melchionda, who is the Credit Unions of Massachusetts Kids at Heart program's original organizer, said the 53 credit unions and credit union business partners participating in the Credit Unions of Massachusetts Kids at Heart program organize several fundraising events for the hospital throughout the year. Through the runner's team, the group has raised $100,000 toward a million-dollar goal that will result in a new patient family lounge with play area and nourishment center for Children's Hospital Boston.