- Haverhill’s own Kenneth “KC” Godin, owner of Premier Martial Arts, is running the Boston Marathon for the fifth year in a row for Credit Unions Kids at Heart Team, a division of Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH). Through KC’s chosen program, each runner is paired with a patient child receiving care at BCH. Many of the patient partners have extraordinary medical challenges, but also possess great spirit, strength, courage, and determination. These incredible children overcome their own challenges every day and help inspire their runners to achieve personal goals. KC’s patient partner is Ryan Clough. Ryan began his life in the NICU unit at BCH and was transferred to the MICU. Ryan continues to make trips to BCH each year for check–ups. KC’s running journey started when he witnessed the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon on the news and heard the firsthand accounts of what happened. At that point, KC decided to find a way to help.
- North Chelmsford local Maureen Polson is raising money for the Tough Ruck, a program of Military Friends Foundation. Tough Ruck is group of military and civilian people who Ruck in honor and in memory of our fallen service members, police, firefighters, and EMTs, while raising funds to support military families in times of need. Ruckers walk a 26.2 mile course with 30 pound Ruck Packs and carry the names of fallen comrades on their rucks. On April 15, 2013, the Tough Ruck members were at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and joined the first responders to help those injured by the horrific blasts. Today, the Ruck happens the Saturday before Boston Marathon Monday in Concord, Massachusetts. Each year, Ruckers are awarded the first of the official Boston Marathon Medals and receive recognition from the Boston Athletic Association. Maureen uses running as her way to support charities, to help make a difference, and to give back by paying it forward.
