Tedy Bruschi & Tedy’s Team member, Larissa Lafauci
The holidays are a time to relax, sit by the fireplace and see family and friends. For members of Tedy’s Team, it’s also a time to jumpstart the training season for the 2016 Boston Marathon.
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Tedy’s Team celebrated its new group of runners at CBS Scene at Patriot Place in Foxborough. Team captain and former New England Patriot Linebacker, Tedy Bruschi, kicked off the evening by introducing the team and thanking them for their commitment.
The event gave the runners the opportunity to meet each other, share experiences and learn more about the training process for the April 18th marathon. One of the 40 team members who shared their personal reasons for joining the team at the event was new team member Kim Spellacy, a stroke survivor who expressed how fortunate she is to be running in the Boston Marathon this year.
“Crossing that finish line on Boylston (Street) will not only be a dream come true, but it will mean that I’ve raised awareness and funds for a cause that’s so dear to my heart,” she said.
The team members were treated to a private viewing of an inspirational video featuring the New England Patriots to help get them excited for the challenges that lie ahead over the next five months
Tedy’s Team 2016 Boston Marathon Team
This year’s team consists of 40 runners, many of whom are heart or stroke survivors or caregivers. They are helping the American Stroke Association in the fight against stroke by raising money and awareness, while honoring loved ones in their lives who have been afflicted by heart disease and stroke.
On February 15, 2005, just weeks after winning his third Super Bowl and days after playing in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Bruschi suffered a stroke at the age of 31. As he recovered, Bruschi and his wife, Heidi, dedicated themselves to raising awareness of stroke and becoming advocates and inspirations for stroke survivors throughout Massachusetts, New England the country.
Since its inception in 2005, Tedy’s Team has raised over $3.5 million for stroke research and educational programs with the support and dedication of close to 1,000 participants. This year’s team is on track to raise $400,000. In addition to raising funds Tedy’s Team continues to raise awareness of stroke and its warning signs and symptoms. For more information or to donate to Tedy’s Team, visit www.tedysteamdonations.com.
2016 Boston Marathon Team
Mary Adams Emily Anthony Katie Buteau Elizabeth Calhoun
Melissa Carleton Sarah Colaianni Meaghan Condon Brielle Cormier
James Devlin Christine Doherty Anne Marie Dorsey Christine Duval
Dan Foley Katie Foley Courtney Graham Elizabeth Iorio
Jim Kasperik Jennifer King Larissa Lafauci Nanu Lakkis
Michael Lawrence Erin Lewis Ali Lyman Patricia Mallios
Suzanne McManmon Lora Miele Rich Mulry Ryan Murphy
Lauren Pino John Reardon Megan Sessa Kim Spellacy
Carol Svirsky Elizabeth Vail Araeyus Vakil Joshua Wernig
Beth Whipple Katie Wolman Jamie Woodward Jeremy Woodward
Know the Warning Signs of Stroke:
Stroke is a medical emergency. Know the warning signs of stroke and teach them to others.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms. Every second counts!
The American Heart Association | American Stroke Association is a member of the B.A.A Official Charity Program for the 2016 Boston Marathon.
I am interested in running the 2017 Boston Marathon with team Tedy. What would I need to do?