The race so nice, I did it twice. And then a third time. And then a fourth. Yes, that's right, this year marks my fifth Boston Marathon!
In those years I've had some amazing guides that have partnered with me to run the great race, and this year is no different. I am honoured to be sheparded from Hopkinton to Boston by none other than one of the hosts of "How Was Your Run Today?", Bryan Gould.
Bryan is no stranger to Boston, as he lives and works in the area, and has himself made the 42.2km trek (sorry, I'm Canadian!) in 2015. (there was some amazing runners that ran that year!). You can learn more about his podcast at howwasyourruntoday.com, and can find it in your favorite Podcast app or on itunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-was-your-run-today/id1056763715?mt=2
I've had many highlights and many struggles in my four previous races. I've battled rain, wind, heat and a horrible breast stroke (anyone who "swam" Boston in 2018 knows what I mean!), but through that all one of the greatest parts of running the Boston Marathon is getting to support the fabulous people and programs of the Massachussets Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI). As special as it is getting to run the Boston Marathon, getting to do so with Team With a Vision is almost equally as exciting and special to me.
So please, I would be extremely thankful and honoured if you can support Bryan and I in our run in the Boston Marathon by making a donation - no sum is too large!
Thanks!
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired wrote:
Team With A Vision is excited and thrilled to announce our running the Boston Marathon to support the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired!
Our international team of blind and sighted runners race to raise awareness and spread the word that with the right support, anything is possible! Our teams' efforts allow the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired to deliver professional, peer and volunteer support to over 1,100 individuals each year, giving them the support they need to live with dignity and independence.
All funds raised support MABVI's statewide network of vision rehabilitation services, which include 34 low vision support groups, Assistive Technology Centers, and 400 volunteers matched 1:1 with blind individuals. We are honored to be a part of the 2019 John Hancock Marathon Non-Profit Partner Program.
DOUBLE YOUR DONATION! Did you know that you can easily double your donation? Many companies encourage their employees to donate to charities by matching their contributions. To find out more, contact Andrea Croak, acroak@mabcommunity.org. You can give through payroll deduction, monthly donations, planned giving and gifts of stock.
Here are some ways your dollars make a difference among the individuals we serve and our programs at the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired...
*$30 supports 1 hour of Assistive Technology (AT) support with a trained and experienced AT Vibrant Volunteer.
*$40 pays for 1 Volunteers With Vision visit for an individual who is blind or visually impaired. Our volunteers provide support through reading mail, grocery shopping, and other everyday tasks.
*$48 buys 1 talking clock for an individual who is blind or visually impaired.
*$52 provides 1 white cane for a year so that an individual may scan their surroundings for obstacles or orientation marks, but is also helpful for other traffic participants in identifying the user as blind or visually impaired and taking appropriate care.
*$60 gives the gift of 1 magnifier for an individual who is blind or visually impaired.
*$150 covers 1 visit from our trained and certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Together, specific strategies and skills are implemented for safe, efficient, and effective travel in both indoor and outdoor environments. Some of the skills that are taught include:
- Searching skills: locating items or places efficiently
- Sighted guide: using another person to aid in travel
- Protective techniques: specific skills which provide added protection in unfamiliar areas
- Use of public transportation
- Long cane skills: use of various cane techniques to clear one's path or to locate objects along the way
*$250 provides free medical transportation to appointments for an individual who is blind or visually impaired for one year.
*$500 supports our Volunteers for Vision program for 1 year in recruiting and training volunteers.
*$1,000 provides the opportunity for our Jr Team With A Vision to race in the B.A.A. 5K. This includes race entry fees, tech gear, volunteer recruitment for training sessions, and transportation.
*$2,500 finances our Richard Hunter CIM to Boston Running in Excellence Award. For the last 2 years, we have awarded an exceptional athlete who has qualified for the Boston Marathon in the Visually Impaired Division, but not participated yet! This incredible opportunity provides race entry fee, travel stipend, and hotel accommodations for a male and female athlete who is blind or visually impaired!
*$5,000 covers 1 year of monthly mobile trainings for 15-20 individuals who are blind or visually impaired to utilize our Vibrant AT centers.
*$10,000 provides equipment and staffing to train 30-40 individuals who are blind or visually impaired for a year on ios phones, laptops, mobile apps, etc.
