Hello all, and welcome to my fundraising page for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

I am overjoyed to share that on October 8th, I will be running the 2023 Chicago Marathon in support of Tedy’s Team — an organization aimed at raising awareness for stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors on their journey, giving them a means for a comeback. The Tedy’s Team Organization has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. For many years, Tedy’s Team runners would gather at my Great Aunt Mary and Uncle Jack Morrissey’s house in downtown Hopkinton the morning of the Boston Marathon to prepare for the big day. I have fond and vivid memories meeting the runners and hearing how strokes affected their lives. This was always a very special occasion for my family for many of our loved ones have had strokes. My Uncle Jack suffered a stroke in March 2004, and as a result experienced complete left sided paralysis. He passed away 5 years later in 2009. I don’t have many memories of Uncle Jack, but I cherish the ones I do have. He was extremely loving, kind, caring, and an amazing Uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Uncle Jack, I love and miss you know you are always with me.

Before she was even born, my cousin, Kaelyn McDermott, suffered a stroke in utero. In 2017, my dear family friend, John Didier, suffered an ischemic stroke while he was at work. Both Kaelyn and John experience left sided weakness to this day as a result of the stroke. But they have not let this define them. Kaelyn is currently finishing her Junior year in High School and is an extremely talented singer, actress, and tennis player. This past Spring, she played the lead in her High School Musical. Her continuous persistence is not only courageous, but inspiring. Since his stroke almost 6 years ago, John has accomplished feats his medical team never thought possible. He went from being unable to walk to skiing, hiking, golfing, and even running. His progress is a reflection of his dedication to not let this disease define him.

The Tedy's Team mission is near and dear to my heart, and I could not be prouder to run for such an outstanding charity. Money raised will help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke. Detecting the signs and symptoms of a stroke is imperative to effective treatment. The acronym “BE FAST” can be used to quickly identify when a stroke is occurring:

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.

This is for Uncle Jack Morrissey, Kaelyn McDermott, John Didier, and the millions of other stroke survivors across the world who define what it means to be resilient. You are why I run. Your strength will will propel me 26.2 miles and beyond.

Thank you all again for supporting me on my journey. Words will never describe what it means to me.

With all my Heart,

Carolyn

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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. to learn more about who we are, please see our website, www.tedysteam.org.

The warning signs of stroke 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.

Donations to Tedy's Team are non-refundable and fully tax deductible.