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| Kevin Duplin along with godson Patrick Duplin |
I've run the Greater Hartford Marathon for the past two years. Running has become somewhat of a passion (except in the Winter!), and running a marathon was a dream of mine for many years that I was finally able to fulfill.
The biggest reason, and motivation, that I run the marathon is my Godson and nephew, Patrick Duplin. Patrick, named after my late mom Patricia, just turned 10 years old, and he was born with Down Syndrome. He is an amazing young boy. He loves hitting a baseball, bowling, adores music and animals, and loves playing on the computer. He lives in Newington with my brother Mark and his wife Mary Jane, his parents. He also has 2 older sisters, Erin and Shannon, and an older brother Adam. They are an incredible family. (ok, I'm somewhat biased)
When I ran my first marathon in 2004, I needed some motivation, and it was suggested I put a cause to my efforts. I found that motivation in Patrick. I decided to raise money for the CT Down Syndrome Congress, with hopes of raising a few thousand dollars.(I really had no idea how it would pan out) Well, friends,family, coworkers and strangers stepped up in a huge way as we raised over $7000.00 that year. I was amazed, and humbled, at your generosity.
So last year I ran the race again, with the same goal of raising as much as I could for the Down Syndrome community in CT. Once again, it was a huge success, as we raised over $3000.00, for a total of over $10,000.00 in two years.
I am running the marathon again, this year on October 14, 2006, in Hartford. And "Team Duplin" could use the publicity. I have set a goal raising $10,000.00 this year, and I truly believe we will accomplish it. I am going to work hard at this, for the benefit of Patrick and all persons with Down Syndrome. I'm trying to get ESPN to sponsor me, as well as inviting businesses around the Middletown area to pitch in and help this cause so near and dear to my heart.
You can visit my online fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/2006RunforPatrick
There you can read about my charity, and get to see Patrick with his medal after the race! I wish you could see the smile on his face when he runs the last 30 yards of the race with me across the finish line. It is that moment that makes all the training worthwhile. I hope you like it. You see, I want the world to know what an incredible Godson I have, who overcomes hurdles every day that you and I NEVER have to face...that's the most valuable lesson Patrick has taught me...not to take life for granted, to live each day to my fullest.
If you would like more info on the CDSC, you can visit
http://www.ctdownsyndrome.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=132.
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