"Honestly I've always enjoyed a challenge and doing things that push me. Meeting Michelle and knowing that she's run the marathon 3 times definintely inspired me to go through with it. She helped me to find a charity. I originally planned on applying to Spaulding Rehab, but a friend introduced me to his friend that helps run Rise Above Paralysis and that's how I chose them as the charity I want to run for. Coming from the background of racing motocross I've seen first hand the effects of spinal cord injuries. Michelle's got me on a marathon training plan. I'm excited to train hard and push myself to finish the marathon and raise as much money as I can for Rise Above Paralysis."
When I saw my dear friend Michelle Kennis's post on Facebook that her boyfriend Tim would be running Boston for Rise Above Paralysis I was all in. As a survivor of paralytic polio and one who has had to work very hard to overcome the effects of a spinal cord injury, I was drawn to the mission and vision of Rise:
Reach individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury and disease
Inspire the newly injured through role models and peer mentors
Support individuals and families as they begin their post injury journeys
Empower individuals with spinal cord injury/disease to reach
their goals and dreams
"Who We Are:
We are the Greater Boston Chapter (GBC) of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association or, RISE Above Paralysis, Inc. We are comprised of individuals affected by a spinal cord injury including family members, loved ones, healthcare associates and many more. From the moment of injury, we offer hope through one-on-one support, understanding, and guidance. No other entity provides this depth of support. We work to Reach, Inspire, Support and Empower all those affected by a SCI through our nationally recognized Peer Visitation Program. Staff members and trained volunteers, who have successfully navigated post spinal cord injury life, serve as mentors to help the newly injured, and their families’ to better understand what happened, transition back into the community and meet their goals of leading a fulfilling life.
The Greater Boston Chapter (GBC) of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association –RISE Above Paralysis – was founded in 1992 by several individuals affected by spinal cord injury. They wanted to assist other individuals and family members affected by this traumatic injury and show them that they can continue to lead meaningful lives despite their injury. Each year, nearly 300 individuals in Massachusetts suffer an SCI. It can happen to anyone at anytime. It is both physically and emotionally devastating to the individual, family members and loved ones. The newly-injured, and those around them, must learn to cope with this dramatic change and gradually adjust to post-injury life.
Today, over two decades after the chapter was founded, the GBC has supported thousands of individuals. We have five part time staff members, over fifteen volunteers and two offices – one at New England Rehabilitation in Woburn, MA and one at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA.
We foster an “anything is possible” attitude and work to enable individuals to follow their dreams and fulfill. All of our services are offered free of charge. We are funded 100% through philanthropy."
Yesterday Tim ran long and strong - 16 miles and he is going the 26.2 distance to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by spinal cord injury.
With his grit and determination and girlfriend Michelle by his side we know he is going to go the distance from Hopkinton to Boston.
Let's take him the distance on his fund raising goal!
You can donate to Tim's Boston Marathon run by following this link: Run for Rise.
Thank you Tim for running for this organization that is near and dear to my heart and making a difference in the lives of those living with spinal cord injury. Run swift. Run smart. Run happy!
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