THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING TO MY PERSONAL PAGE & FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

As most of you are aware my wonderful mother passed away very suddenly on November 6th after suffering a massive stroke.

I don't need to remind you of her unique kindness and the wonderful woman she was. I know that if you knew my mom then she left a lasting impression on your heart.

A few days after her passing I was having trouble sleeping at night, the night's seemed longer than the days at that point and I remember on one specific night getting out of bed and opening my laptop thinking that I had to do something, ANYTHING to get involved in an organization that might help me process this pain and take action to possibly prevent another family from experiencing this.

I scoured the internet looking for fundraisers, organization, walks, events, I didn't have any expectation other than to have the opportunity to tell my story.

I quickly found Tedy's Team and remembered seeing their blue singlets in years past when I had run the Boston Marathon for the Morgan Memorial Goodwill. (this is where my husband Steven proposed, shortly after the 2013 Marathon Bombing, we have a strong connection to the Marathon)

Tedy's Team wasn't accepting applications at that time as there was no specific date yet for the marathon due to covid. But in true Rachel fashion, I applied to something that didn't yet exist! haha That night I wrote, re wrote and wrote over again EVERYTHING that had taken place and the entire experience of losing the closest person to me. From the devastating phone call on November 2nd at 9pm to holding my Mom's hand and watching the clock hit midnight as we listened to her last labored breath on November 6th.

I emailed that story to a generic email address I found on the website. I figured it went nowhere except to get me on their mailing list. But lo and behold just a few short weeks ago I received an email from Tedy's Team that they were accepting applications for their Boston Marathon Team and within a quick 24 hours I received a personal phone call from Heidi Bruschi asking me if I would accept their first round draft pick to be on their 2021 Marathon Team!

I was SHOCKED, this is happening! , and mostly scared as I haven't run a marathon in 8 years (pre marriage, children and sleepless nights haha) but I also know that I'm not doing this for myself, I'm doing this for a reason GREATER THAN MYSELF, I'm running to raise necessary funds for Tedy's Team and I'm using this PAIN for a PURPOSE.

I'm not running for my mother, I'm running with her. She is my inner monologue and continues to be my constant guiding voice reminding me never to take the easy way regarless of what it will cost me.

Every ounce of confidence I need to get through life, she filled me with in the short 34 years we had together.

I'm confident I can build up my strength and endurance to run 26.2 miles.

But I will need your help to reach my fundraising goal.

These funds will help families who have been affected by stroke. Money raised will educate and spread awareness about the warning sides of stroke (B.E.F.A.S.T), and help support the "The Comback Program" that will help give survivors the means for a comeback just like Tedy Bruschi himself had as well as help survivors on their road to recovery.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and for your donation. I understand that money is often tight, if a monetary donation isn't possible I would GREATLY appreciate your support on-line to share my posts, leave a comment on my updates and help me get the word out about my mission. And above all else I will take your prayers, for these next few months and to help me get through the 26.2

Thank you in advance<3

Rachel

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.

We are honored to be part of the Official Charity Program of the Boston Marathon as they have allowed us to utilize their platforms to elevate the awareness 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.

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