Did Kellyn really qualify to run the Boston Marathon?
Well, that's a relatively quick answer.
No, I didn't.
(Technically speaking)
However, I was chosen to run with one of the most inspirational teams on the planet:
Team Hoyt.
Meet Dick and Rick Hoyt:
A lack of oxygen during the birth of Rick Hoyt resulted in his diagnosis as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. In the late 70s, Rick told Dick that he wanted to participate in a 5-miler benefiting a sports player who became paralyzed in an accident. Coming in close to last, Dick pushed his son in his wheelchair across the finish line.
Upon his finish, Rick told his father,
"Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."
Without further question, Dick has pushed Rick in over 1,000 races,
including 29 Boston Marathons.
This will be their 30th anniversary.
Now, meet my brother, Ryan:
Ryan was in a car accident on April 16, 1983 at the age of 18 months,
resulting in a strikingly-similar diagnosis as Rick's.
I ran the 2012 Boston Marathon for Ryan with him cheering me on from the sidelines.
This was an incredible bonding experience for the two of us.
I opted out of the 2011 Boston run to work on expanding my family.
On a weekend trip to Tampa this past May, Ryan asked me if I would be running 2014.
I told him I wasn't sure, as I would be delivering a baby just months shy of the race, but I would try.
He passed away that week, and I immediately wrote Team Hoyt pleading for my spot.
Finally, meet me: Kellyn
In honor of my brother,
and to raise awareness for all children with special physical needs,
I plan to train for the next four months and complete the Boston Marathon for him.
