The year 2015 was far from boring. SMILE Mass completed over 20 races, throughout Mass. which included many 5K, 10K, two half-marathons, our first Falmouth Road Race and of course we conquered the 200 mile Ragnar Relay from Hull to Provincetown for the second time. Yes, it was a busy year with a lot of miles left behind us. What a blessing!

But better yet, with all that running, we were able to continue to grow our beach wheelchair program with another donation of 20 beach wheelchairs, where some went into our loaner program and others were donated to public beaches throughout Mass. We also added two new high performance strollers to our inventory. Two new sheds were built, to house all of the new equipment and money was stored away to accomplish our biggest undertaking as of yet, creating a vacation retreat, where everyone belongs, despite disability. Where the environment is barrier free and everything is handicapped accessible. Where a family can enjoy a safe and fun vacation despite disabilities. Yes, this will be the year. We are so close, so to continue our mission we have a created an ambitious calendar for 2016. 

 

As we venture into 2016 we are looking ahead. We will continue to roll/run for all those who can`t. We will work harder than ever to make sure our mission for SMILE Mass is ever alive by continuing to grow our running program while visiting new and beautiful places. For the first time ever we will be adding a marathon to our race calendar of 2016!

 

SMILE Mass has been invited to participate in the Copenhagen Marathon May 22, 2016. As many of you might know, that is where I grew up, so when the invitation came, I was thrilled to know that they would love to have us - all of us, strollers and all! We did not need to qualify and they will accommodate as many strollers as we can bring.  So although I have never run a full marathon, I am thrilled for the challenge and opportunity. Denmark, here we come! 

The plan is to bring a whole team, so consider yourself invited.  I would love to bring 5 to 10 kids with special needs, with a caregiver for each child. We are also looking for runners that are willing to push a stroller through a full marathon and back up runners that will be willing to step up should one of our runners get hurt or need support throughout the race. Furthermore, we will be looking for a couple of caregivers that can help with the special needs kids - on the long flight, on race morning and throughout the week. This will be to insure the safety and comfort for everyone given we are in a different country with a time change and more.  

Building an enrichment program for kids with disabilities is something I have dreamed of for a long time. I always wanted to create a program where kids with disabilities could participate in travel, just like our kids do in middle and high school. So when this opportunity came about I thought this was a great way to get the program started. I am hoping to bring between 5 and 10 kids with disabilities. Everyone is welcome, but the kids have to be a minimum of 10 years old. To see the team and full requirements, please visit our website.

   

To make this trip a reality we will be looking for sponsors. If you are able to help, please contact me via email at [email protected].  There will be plenty of opportunities to sponsor both the kids and runners or simply sponsor the team in general. About 20% of the money donated will be used to support the teams travel expenses, the rest will be donated to the vacation home on Cape Cod.   This trip is going to be amazing! Join the team or support us today!