If you ask anyone who has ever run a marathon, the thought of running the Boston Marathon has crossed their minds at least once.  Whether it’s a quick conclusion that qualifying for Boston is beyond their physical capabilities or an ambition to aspire and achieve during their lifetime, the Boston Marathon remains a unique challenge in the running community.  I can't tell you the number of times I've mentioned running marathons to others, only to be asked if I've ever run Boston.  Unlike most marathons, where the primary goal is to just cross the finish line, those running Boston have two goals:  Crossing the finish line and making it to the starting line.  On April 16th, I’ll be on that starting line.

When you ask a marathoner why they run, and you will often get a story of inspiration.  But what inspires us to take up this challenge is what in many cases keeps us going.  For me, inspiration has come from many areas and sources over time.  It started as a means to challenge my own perceptions of what was both physically and mentally possible.  Before running a marathon, I had never undertook an athletic endeavor that required so much time, training, and both physical and mental endurance.  Over time (and 27 marathons!), my reasons for running have changed.  These days, I run for my kids.  While my kids are too young to fully understand what I do, I can only hope that one day my marathon running will serve as a source of inspiration for them. 

This special race, however, requires something more. . .

On April 16th, when the gun goes off, I’ll be running not just for myself and my kids, but an organization that inspires me in a completely different way.  Founded in 1829 as the first school for the blind in the United States, Perkins School for the Blind is committed to providing education and services that build productive, meaningful lives for children and adults around the world who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired with or without other disabilities.

Perkins School for the Blind is located on a 38-acre campus on the Charles River in Watertown, Massachusetts, with partner programs in 65 countries.  Over 200 students populate Perkins' residential and day programs, thriving on the guidance of an exceptional interdisciplinary team of highly trained teachers, clinicians, residential and support staff.  Committed to developing each child's maximum level of self-reliance and independence, Perkins' staff designs an individualized educational play for each student.  Students from birth to 22 years, experience a wide range of skill-building activities, including everything from physical and language therapy to prevocational training and independent living skills.

Please join me (I’ve kicked off this effort with a $1,000 donation) in supporting this exceptional organization.  I’ve committed to raising at least $5,000 for the Perkins School, but I need your help to succeed.  Please click on the orange “Donate” button, or if you prefer to make gifts offline, please make checks payable to “Perkins School for the Blind,” reference MY name in the memo section, and then mail to:

Perkins School for the Blind

Attn: Boston Marathon

175 North Beacon St

Watertown, MA 02472

Thank you!!!  Your contribution is greatly appreciated!!!

Terry