Team Brookline, the Town of Brookline’s official Boston Marathon team, is a committed group of adult runners who train together for the Boston Marathon while raising funds for five partner charities that play an integral role in strengthening and enriching our community: The Brookline Teen Center, Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, Brookline Education Foundation, Brookline Library Foundation, and The Brookline Symphony Orchestra.
Q. Are you an athlete?
Q. Why are you running the Boston Marathon?
A. I grew up in Brookline right along the marathon route at mile 24, watching the race each year. I continue the tradition by taking my kids to cheer on the runners annually. I have always been inspired by the runners-- I think it's the grit of it; the mental and physical strength and commitment it takes. I've always loved a challenge! I am hoping I will be able to stick to the training plan and power through this one!
A.Team Brookline supports a partnership of five local charities that enrich the lives of local kids and helps keep them on track.
Q. Why do you care about kids?
A. A little about me: My very own less-than-conventional coming-of-age saga has caused me to become an advocate for kids, and teens in particular. My siblings and I were raised by my mother in the Brookline Housing projects on Egmont Street without many of the resources that are available in our community today. After completing a single year of high school, I decided I was too hip and too cool to remain within its confines. So, instead, I left school and worked at a local sandwich shop. A few years later, when I was 17, I found out that I was expecting my first child (gasp!). In a frenzy, I earned my GED, fumbled my way through a community college, a four-year college, and law school. I had convinced myself, perhaps somewhat later than my peers, that education would mean power and mobility and opportunity for my daughter beyond what I otherwise would have been able to provide. Little did I know back then that it would also mean the ability to lend my voice to others who might need it too and to live a personally fulfilling and meaningful life for myself as well.
Every kid deserves an equitable playing field so that they might pursue their dreams. Team Brookline supports charities that help keep local kids on track. I wouldn’t change a single aspect of my journey, but I understand how lucky I am to be where I am considering that I was a teen who, in textbook-fashion, "fell through the cracks."
I want every single child to be supported and become successfull in their own right. It is resources like the ones supported by Team Brookline that can help make that possible.
Running the Boston Marathon is a personal goal and I am honored and thrilled that I get to run in support of a deeply personal mission-- you have likley heard me say that the key to alleviating poverty starts with education, mental health, and community resources and support for our young, future generations.
Q. How is training going so far?
Q. What has been the best advice so far?
A. From a sports psychologist: "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable."
Q. Why should I donate to you?
A. Because you love me and believe in me and it's for an amazing cause.
Q. Are you doing any fundraising events?
A. Please join me at Hops N Scotch, Brookline on Tuesday, January 22 from 5:30pm-8pm to help raise money for a great cause! Food, Raffle (Cash bar)! Bring your friends :) All are welcome!