I have always had a passion for running. I don’t run fast, and I’m not breaking any records, but that doesn’t matter because running means so much more to me. Running is my release, a way for me to process my emotions and whatever is happening in my life at any given moment. I didn’t realize how much deeper that meaning would become until our son Cole was born nineteen years ago.

Cole arrived six weeks early via emergency c-section, and with him came a secret: he would have Down syndrome. As a new mom, I didn’t understand what this meant. I still remember the delivery doctor’s words: “My heart is heavy to tell you that I think he has Down syndrome.” The emotions that flooded over me were sadness and fear. How I wish I had known then what I would soon discover—that this boy would turn our world upside down in the best possible way.

In Massachusetts, we are lucky to have the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC), which reached out to us immediately after Cole was born. Through their Parents First Call Program, we received support and information that helped bridge the gap of uncertainty that often accompanies a Down syndrome diagnosis. Because of the invaluable support the MDSC provided our family through various programs, I felt compelled to give back. I also wanted to raise awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for individuals with Down syndrome.

I joined the MDSC Boston Marathon team in 2010 and ran five Boston Marathons from 2010 to 2014. I also participated in the Falmouth Road Race, completing it eight times. Each run, whether 26.2 miles or 7 miles, filled me with pride. Crossing that finish line, knowing my run had a purpose, meant the world to me.

The MDSC has been with our family from the very beginning, and we are not alone. They assist hundreds of families throughout Massachusetts, and their impact stretches far beyond our state. They are involved in legislative work that affects the Down syndrome community and the intellectual disability community nationwide. The dedicated staff work tirelessly to create a world full of opportunities and support for our loved ones with Down syndrome. When the scope of the advocacy work I was doing shifted and became deeply personal to our family, the MDSC immediately stepped in to help with a statewide initiative aimed at reducing and eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion in Massachusetts schools. The MDSC is like a second family to us.

Next Sunday, I will once again be running the Falmouth Road Race for the MDSC. I know it will be an unforgettable experience. The Falmouth Road Race features a beautiful course along the coast of Cape Cod, lined with spectators offering oranges, water, and even sprinklers for the runners. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the residents of Falmouth are welcoming and kind. However, what truly resonates with me is the reason behind my run. It’s the motivation that inspires me daily to advocate for a better world. It’s the reason I have gained a renewed perspective on life and everything in it: Cole.

Want to help? Support Running for Cole! and Team MDSC!