My earliest memory of the Boston Marathon is finding a spectator spot with my aunt and cousins on the course just as Dick and Rick Hoyt rolled passed us. Even before the crowd erupted with cheers of encouragement, I knew witnessing this duo was something special. This moment was my first introduction to the spirit of the Boston Marathon, and it was also my first introduction to the spirit of inclusion.
I grew up loving everything about the Boston Marathon- the way the entire state stopped for the day, the way you could watch it on tv for hours, the stories that were shared about the participants. I always pictured myself running it as an adult. In 2013, when the spirit of the Boston Marathon was threatened in the most unimaginable of ways, that picture in my head turned into a steadfast commitment to not only run it, but run it in a meaningful way.
Fast forward past Meb's victory and Des' victory, all the way to today when I have found a way to indulge my love for running and inclusion by volunteering in Atlanta with the Kyle Pease Foundation. This organization improves the lives of people with disabilities through sports and beyond. You can probably imagine my reaction upon finding out KPF was awarded a few charity bibs for the 2025 Boston Marathon. Two things I love intersecting so unexpectedly? Sign me up!
I will be raising $10,000 in support of the Kyle Pease Foundation as I train for the 2025 Boston Marathon. To truly comprehend the magic of the Kyle Pease Foundation, you really do have to experience it for yourself, but I'll try my best to capture it for you here. The Kyle Pease Foundation invites people, both with disabilities and without disabilities, into a space where everyone belongs, everyone is capable, and everyone is valued. Everyone gets to be a part of something bigger than them, and nobody is ever left behind. Inclusion isn't a noun at KPF; it's a verb. I feel so proud to be representing an organization that lives its values out loud.
The $10,000 I raise will go towards supporting and improving the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities. This amount will also support the athletic endeavors of these individuals. Your donations are invaluable as KPF continues and expands the life-changing work it does.
As I'm powering my way up the Newton Hills with the Kyle Pease logo on my chest, I hope there is a young spectator who is enthralled and enveloped by the spirit of the Boston Marathon just as I was so many years ago.
