HANSCOM AFB, Mass. – Hanscom FCU raised more than $31,000 for Boston Children’s Hospital at the 2017 Boston Marathon.
This is the 18th year the credit union has participated in the race. Hanscom FCU is part of the CU Kids at Heart Team, founded in 1996. The team had 21 runners and raised over $400,000 overall.
These funds are committed to funding pediatric research projects at Boston Children’s Hospital, focusing on Moyamoya disease, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, pediatric brain tumors, and cerebral palsy.
The CU said the three members of Team Hanscom trained for months leading up to the race. They were paired with patient families who cheered them on, including two long runs on the race course sponsored by the Boston Marathon organizers.
“Ray Phillips, a master marathoner, has run every year since 2000. His inspiration and dedication are the backbone of this program,” HFCU said. “Ray and his patient partner Chris, who became fast friends this year, met up at the end of the race to celebrate another finishing medal.
“Andy Martin, Jr., completed his third race with a personal best time. Andy was Ray’s patient partner for 14 years. After watching so many races, he was inspired to compete in the wheelchair division himself as soon as soon as he could qualify,” the CU continued. “Mike Rzeszutek ran his first marathon in 2015. Since then, he and his patient partner Timmy forged a strong bond, and Mike became an indispensable member of the racing team. After completing the full training program this year, Mike developed an injury and had to bow out. But not before raising thousands of dollars to help people like Timmy.”