Editor’s Note: The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s thoughts remain with Boston as it continues to recover from the events of April 15. As an organization that will support 450 marathon runners (including several staff members) in 2013, we understand the drama of these races, which will raise over $1.5 million for Parkinson’s research this year alone. It truly stings to see a race as venerated as the Boston Marathon marred by tragedy.
We continue to send wishes for healing and recovery to everyone affected — including Beantown residents and the national and international running community. Yet the resiliency and optimism that keep veteran and novice runners vying to finish those 26.2 miles are the same qualities that will help the Hub come back stronger than ever.
We asked Stephanie Paddock, our Senior Associate Director, Team Fox, and our runners to share their recollections and thoughts from that Monday.
Stephanie Paddock: It started as a regular race day for anyone supporting a marathon runner. I was up early to see one of our Team Fox runners off, making sure he had everything he needed before heading to the buses that would take him to the famous starting line in Hopkinton. I was outfitted as usual in my Team Fox gear, camera and cowbells.
Watching the runners pass by in Natick at the 10 Mile mark, and then to see them after the finish line collecting their medals, wrapped in foil blankets, I couldn’t help but smile, cheer and congratulate complete strangers. Having run my very first marathon just over a year ago, I understand the feeling of victory and relief after crossing the finish line.
That feeling of victory and relief changed instantly to fear and confusion. Luckily, I was out of harm’s way and had been able to account for our Team Fox crew; notifying family and friends. All we could do was sit and watch what was unfolding – dumbfounded.
We are all so grateful to the people of Boston, and to our Team Fox and MJFF family. In the hours and days that followed the Boston Marathon, we saw a city and country come together in support of one another and learned about ordinary people who did extraordinary things. I think I can speak for our runners when I say thank you.
Matt Mitchell: With more than 20 Team Fox marathons amongst us, Amar Kuchinad, Barry Cohen, Jim Ostrenga and I were set to put everything we had on the line once again for this cause we believe in and for those we love and have come to know in the PD community.
Amar, Barry and I finished within 15 minutes of one another. We were all clear of the finishing area and re-connecting with loved ones when the bombs exploded on Boylston Street. A friend of mine heard what she thought was two loud bangs as we were walking to our house in Cambridge. None of us paid much attention as we excitedly talked about the race and the experience.
Of course, news of the horrific event soon unfolded, and we witnessed first-hand the courageous work of first responders and ordinary heroes in the midst of fear and chaos. Bostonians, runners, supporters and volunteers took care of one another, sharing hugs and opening their doors to strangers.
For ourselves, we felt a flood of concern, support and love from our friends and family and the MJFF community. Some of the first people I heard from were fellow Team Fox members. I’m thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life from this organization that has become a family.
We’ve left Boston again but we stand with the city. Like it, we are healing.
Ruth Coffman: I was one of the lucky ones in Boston. This has not been a common feeling over the last six months. In September 2012 one of my greatest fears, a diagnosis that could rob me of my ability to run, became a reality. At age 34, a mom, friend, daughter, sister, wife, and family nurse practitioner, I learned I have Parkinson’s disease.
On April 15, accompanied by my close friend and brother-in-law from France, and cheered on by my dear friends, sister and husband, and seemingly the entire city of Boston, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon ahead of my predicted time, ahead of the four hour mark. It was the support and high fives from Hopkinton to Boylston Street that kept me going and kept the Parkinson's from taking over.
I hope that I can inspire others with Parkinson’s. And I take solace knowing I am one of thousands of survivors who will keep getting up in the morning, lacing up those sneakers and telling the family: “You make breakfast. I’m going for a run!”