A Runner's High Spectating & Volunteering

17 years ago I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I went through a miraculous journey of transformation and became a most unlikely runner. The running community has become an integral part of my life. This past weekend I was blessed to be support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne at the Squirrel Run. The proceeds from the race support the Angel ALS Fund for research at UMass Medical Center. The Kennedy family, of Kennedy Physical Therapy has been particularly hard hit by ALS. One of the brothers whose nickname was Squirrel died at the age of 31. Jake Kennedy, a near and dear honorary member of our L Street Running Club died in 2020. Their father died from ALS. Another brother, Ratt has been diagnosed with ALS and is doing well thanks to an experimental drug trial funded by the Angel Fund. As he said during the pre-race announcements, "I am able to stand here thanks to the amazing work of Dr. Brown" whom he then introduced. 

Our running club turns out to support this race. We had quite a turn out. It was a wonderful reunion for us with running family who we had not seen in awhile.

One of our friend's, Sean Long's sister was recently diagnosed with ALS. He will be running the Falmouth Road Race in her honor raising money for ALS Research!

 

Even though I was support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne, I felt a runner's high cheering the runners and a Squirrel at the start and into the finish. Ruth Anne paced Tom to a third place finish in his Age Group! 

At the post-race celebration we had love filled conversations and talk about 'what's next.' It was as though no time had passed for the bonds that runner family form transcend time and place.

When Ruth Anne ran the LA Marathon, we had an amazing moment of synchronicity at the concierge desk when we met Jen Reidy, partner of Brian McCourt, President of the McCourt Foundation. She told us about the McCourt Foundation Boston Waterfront 5K. "We could really use volunteers," she said. Ruth Anne quickly replied, "We'll do it."

Sunday morning we headed to Black Falcon Terminal on the Pier of South Boston for our t-shirt pick up volunteer assignment. The vibe for this race that raises money for the McCourt Foundation is off the chart!  Their mission is: Striving to cure neurological diseases one event at a time and empowering communities to build a better world! They focus their support on ALS, Alzheimer's, MS and Parkinson's Disease. The McCourt brothers' mother lived with Alzheimer's for a decade and their father died from MS at the age of 41! Their story is phenomenal and their passion to make this world a healthier place gives me goosebumps.

Here are photos from our adventure in volunteering:

We had a reunion with Jen who told us what Brian was wearing so we could find him in the crowd. We loved doing t-shirt pick up and laughed at how some people tried to get extra shirts or were particular about how the shirt fit! We laughed as Tom, Ruth Anne and I exchanged stories about the excuses people gave for getting an extra shirt -- at a fundraiser! My favorite story of the day. "Excuse me, Can I please get a second t shirt?" "You can purchase one at the finisher's store." "What if I told you my last name was McCourt." "Well then I'd ask you to see Brian." "That's cool," he said. "Brian is my Uncle. You did good there." He extended his hand and introduced himself as Andrew. I told him how we knew his Uncle. He thanked us for volunteering.

A magical moment happened when our beloved friend Tina who we know through L Street Running Club since we ran Boston in '09, spotted us. She and her husband Michael were doing bike 'duty' as she likes to call it as part of race day safety. Ruth Anne and Tina had to take a selfie together:

She was sorry she missed the Squirrel Run this year but she had a conflict. She shared with us that a member of L Street is the Race Director for the McCourt Foundation! 

Despite needing to walk back to our car in the pouring rain, my heart overflowed with gratitude that I have been blessed with healing from the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Being in the running community, whether spectating, volunteering or running, I get a runner's high fired up to continue to build strength, endurance and speed on my own health and wellness journey. The friends we have made through the years have become family and our family continues to grow in love, passion and compassion to use running as a way to make a difference in the world!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.