I am really excited to run my third consecutive Boston Marathon on the Catholic Charities team!

My first introduction to Catholic Charities was at a Springfest Gala for Catholic Charities South, where I learned about the organization’s mission to build a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people.  That really struck a chord with me, because I am the oldest of three children raised by a single mother.  I remembered watching her struggle to pay bills, buy food, and pay rent for our 2-family apartment in Norwood, and I was eager to support the Catholic Charities programs that assist families in similar situations today.  Here's what I learned:

• Catholic Charities offers nearly 100 programs and services in 33 locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts.
• Last year, they helped over 200,000 people in need, regardless of faith.
• More than 80% of those people received Basic Needs support.  These programs provide financial assistance to people who are struggling to pay for food, rent, and utilities. 

Reading statistics about hunger and homelessness can make you feel overwhelmed and powerless to help.  But my husband and I decided to make a difference by lacing up our running shoes, torturing ourselves on the treadmill and icy roads, and tackling Heartbreak Hill!  Together, we have run 5 Boston Marathons and raised over $22,000 for Catholic Charities.  We've had a lot of great moments and (ahem) “friendly competition” during our training and fundraising adventures, including a neck-and-neck finish in 2010 and a night of fun at KidzWurld in 2011!

My fundraising goal for this year is $5,000; this is the equivalent of approximately 700 bags of groceries or 100 gallons of oil for over a dozen families.  A donation of $1 per mile ($26.20) is enough to feed one family for almost two weeks; $5 per mile ($131.00) can feed that same family for almost two months!

I am so very grateful for your support and encouragement as I work towards reaching that goal, and the finish line in Boston!