Alex Praschma's Fundraiser:

Friends and Family:

I am honored to announce that I will be running the 2017 Boston Marathon for Team MR8 this spring in memory of a young man whose short life gives to so many.

Team MR8 and the Martin Richard Foundation were formed by the parents of 8-year-old, Martin Richard, whose life was taken in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013. In the days after the bombing, a photo of Martin holding a handmade poster that read "No more hurting people. Peace" was shared over the Internet and touched the hearts of many.

Martin was an 8-year-old boy who loved learning, sports, and the world around him. Martin was a school peacemaker and recognized at a young age that while we are all different, we are all the same. The way Martin saw the world - anything was possible.

While he could usually be found playing baseball, basketball, street hockey, or flag football, Martin's love for the Boston Marathon grew as he participated in the Boston Athletic Association's Children's Relay on Marathon weekend with his community track team for 3 consecutive years. A team player in all of the sports he played, he enjoyed guiding younger kids to their positions and helping them out during the game.

Therefore, Martin's parents felt it was fitting that the foundation honor his message of peace by investing in education, athletics, and community. Martin's view of peace went well beyond simply wanting to prevent violence. To Martin, peace meant things like togetherness, teamwork, fairness, sportsmanship, inclusion, and simple acts of kindness.

Today, his foundation strives to encourage youth and adults to improve the lives of others and become bridge builders, peacemakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. 

Please consider donating to this amazing organization and helping them continue to honor Martin's message of "No more hurting people - peace."  

ANY amount is truly appreciated!

-Alex

Team MR8