This year we are running the Boston Marathon in honor of our fathers, both of whom died of heart-related causes.

Katie and Chrissie's father, Doug Watts, died suddenly about a year ago of a cardiac event while out for a run. Simply put, Doug LOVED to exercise and loved to try to motivate others (in particular, his family and friends, and anyone else who would join in) to exercise with him.

As some of you may know, our dad started the oddessy of running Boston in 1976, after his brother Tom died suddenly of a heart attack. That year he completed his first of his 17 marathons (11 of which were Boston Marathons and 1 that was part of the Ironman Triathlon!) and he was hooked. After that, part of the fun for him was to help others accomplish the goal of completing a marathon. He was successful and convinced our mother to run her first Boston on her 40th birthday. He also convinced several of his close friends to run marathons and joined them in many training runs and races. And, he was particularly proud that in 2000, the five Watts family members all completed Boston. His positive attitude and enthusiasm for exercise was contagious.

Ted Padden passed away in November of 2006 of Congestive Heart Failure. While Ted was not a marathoner, he lived his entire life just steps from the actual course and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on many who ran Boston. He loved the tradition and inspirational spirit of the marathon. In fact, he had all the makings of a marathoner: passion, determination, intensity, and most importantly, a "Yes I can" attitude. We will be carrying that "Yes I can" attitude as we pound out 26.2 on April 20th.

We miss them terribly and are still struggling to understand how people with such passion for living could be taken so suddenly. We know that they would be proud that we are continuing their legacies.

We recognize that these are difficult economic times so we appreciate any contribution you are able to make. We are hopeful that the money we raise in our dads' honor will be used by the American Heart Association to advance research and better understand cardiac health. We are so appreciative of the continued love and support of our family and friends and thank you in advance for any contribution toward this important cause.

We hope to see you out on the course on April 20th! 

- Chrissie, Katie and Joanna

OFFLINE DONORS (we moved the page from the American Heart Association)