I am so excited to be joining Tedy's Team for both the Falmouth Road Race and the Boston Marathon!!

As many of my friends and family may know, in October of 2012 my father suffered a stroke while at work one day. While he was up on a roof, he started feeling 'funky.' Neither him or my Uncle Dave knew what was going on. Later that day I got home from school and heard a message on our family's home phone answering machine stating "Hello Donald, this is xxx from Dr. XXX's office. Please go straight to the emergency room." This scared me so I immediately called my mom. She answered from the ER where she had met my dad, and let me know he had a stroke. That word was so unknown to me. What actually happened? Would he be ok? Would he have long term side effects? 

Fast forward- my dad had a long road of recovery ahead of him. Every day after school I would drive my dad to speech, occupational or physical therapy appointments. We would spend our evenings sitting on the couch reading children's books that I had taken out from the local library. We would spend our weekends working on 'homework' worksheets from therapy. It was a long road, but my dad was determined. It was the hardest months of his life, but through it all, he always stayed positive. 

It was this positive attitude that truly inspired me and is the reason that I am so excited to be joining Tedy's Team as a runner for the 2021 Falmouth Road Race in August and the 125th running of the Boston Marathon in October. I can't wait to spread awareness and raise money for stroke and heart disease. Dad- this is all for you! 

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The mission of Tedy's Team is to raise awareness for stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors on their journey, giving them a means for a comeback!

Tedy's Team was originally founded in 2005, when Tedy Bruschi, former linebacker for the New England Patriots suffered a stroke shortly after winning his 3rd Super Bowl and just days after returning from his first Pro Bowl. 

Tedy's Team participates in the Boston Marathon, Falmouth Road Race, and other annual races! 

We are honored to be part of the Offical Charity Program of the Boston Marathon and the Numbers for NonProfits Program at the New Balance Falmouth Road Race for 15 years. The Boston Athletic Association and the NBFRR have allowed us to utilize their platforms to elevate the awarenss of the warning signs of stroke, which are best remembered by using the acronym BE FAST, which stands for: 

• Balance Difficulties
• Eyesight Changes
• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulties - and if you notice any of those warning signs, it's...
• TIME TO CALL 9-1-1.

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Should you ever have any questions about your donation, please reach out to Elizabeth@TedysTeam.org.