Thank you for visiting my fundraising page as I prepare to run Boston 2010 to support Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and to honor the journey of former Spaulding patient Mary McManus.

This Thursday, April 8th I'll be hosting a fundraising event at The Greatest Bar in Boston, MA. We'll have free appetizers and a drink ticket for each guest, a raffle with tons of great prizes including weekends at the Cape, gift certificates to local bars and restaurants, and tickets to local sporting events. Tickets are $25 each and the event will run from 7 to 10 PM. I hope to see many of you there and please contact me at 617-968-0148 or arsmith1125@gmail.com if you need additional information! 

As a former patient of Spaulding, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected to run with their Race for Rehab team this year. In 2002, I visited Spaulding for a week of inpatient care and physical therapy following multiple knee surgeries. I entered the hospital with little mobility in my leg, unable to walk and lacking the ability to physically care for myself. When I left Spaulding a week later, I was on my feet and walking, ready to face additional therapy and training with confidence and enthusiasm. Were it not for the talents and resources at Spaulding, I would not have recovered the way I did and been able to develop into the runner I have now become!

In addition to training with the other members of the Race for Rehab team, I am working closely with my long-time friend Jeremy Vaille in order to be in the best possible shape for the race. Jeremy is a USAT Level 1 coach and an AFAA Personal Trainer and is excited to be helping me achieve my goals for Spaulding!

This year, I am dedicating my marathon training and race to another former Spaulding patient: Mary McManus. Mary is a Boston veteran herself, having completed the race in 2009 with her husband Tom and daughter Ruth Anne (Team McManus). As a member of the 2009 Race for Rehab team, Team McManus raised over $10,000 for Spaulding!

Mary, an inspirational speaker, published poet, entrepreneur & former award winning social worker, turned adversity on its head after being diagnosed with post polio syndrome in December 2006. With the love and care she received at the Spaulding Rehab International Rehab Center for Polio, Mary was able to embark on a healing journey. Through hours of endless therapy sessions she was able to slowly gain strength. She was encouraged to follow her heart and make lifestyle changes necessary to heal her life. I encourage you all to visit her website (http://www.newworldgreetings.com/) to learn more about her story, her work, and her conquering of Boston 2009!

Also, please watch the YouTube clip of Mary located here on the site to learn more about her incredible experience and why she is such an inspiration to me and others! 

Thank you for your consideration and wish us luck!

Russ