Ready to Run
In the fall of 2012, a friend and colleague forwarded me an application to run the Boston Marathon with Team Brookline. I'd had a gnawing curiosity about the epic distance my father had run in his younger years and so I applied, was accepted to join the team and committed to raising funds and awareness for The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health.
The following spring on April 15, 2013, I set out to run the race I'd trained for with my teammate, Leah. We stuck together on that beautiful Monday keeping pace and taking breaks when one or the other of us needed them. Together, we were stopped at the Mass. Ave. bridge after the bombs went off on Boylston Street. We were shocked, confused and heartbroken. Within several days we were committed to running the race again.
The following winter, Leah and I met our teammates at the top of Heartbreak Hill each Saturday to train our legs and lungs and heal our hearts. Along with the rest of the city, we looked towards the 2014 Boston Marathon with determination to show our strength. And... we did. It was a great relief to cross that finish line.
Since 2014, I have completed five additional marathons. It turns out that, like my father, I enjoy the challenge of training for long distances. So this fall, when I received a text from my former teammate, Leah, asking if I was ready to run Boston with her again, I barely hesitated. :) I am ready to run my "Fun One" and am honored, once again, to raise funds for The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health while working to achieve my personal goal.
The Brookline Center provides outstanding, affordable mental health care and social services that help people and families lead healthier, safer lives. Each year, the center provides help to 4,000 adults and children in the community. This includes about $1.8 million in free and reduced-fee care. The Brookline Center clinicians consider mental health within the context of contributing social and economic factors and partner with over 35 public agencies to address interconnected issues including housing stability, school success, work productivity, food security, violence prevention and much more.
As a classroom teacher in the Brookline public schools, I have seen the benefits of The Brookline Center's school-based mental health services. Early mental health intervention can make all the difference for young people. Brookline Center clinicians provide comprehensive supports for students, consultation, crisis planning and intervention for teachers and administrators and education for parents, teachers and staff. These supports can improve the wellbeing and classroom functioning for a child which positively impacts the entire classroom community.
I believe that all people, no matter their condition or financial situation, deserve accessible, outstanding care. If you agree, please join me in supporting The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health.
Many thanks,
Sarah
