Boston Marathon

Why I’m Running: ‘Giving back matters’

Stephen Lansing is running the Boston Marathon with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts.

By Claudie Bellanger

1 minute to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Stephen Lansing
Age: 34
City/State: South Boston, Mass.

I’m running the Boston Marathon to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM), the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth. I’ve been a proud Big to my mentee TJ for the past six years and cannot get enough of helping this incredible organization in every way that I can. Being paired since before the pandemic, we initially bonded through a multitude of virtual UNO games together. Giving back matters. I have been so lucky in my life in the multiple ways that others have given back to me, and it is my absolute privilege to bring it full circle and help others.

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BBBSEM partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. The nonprofit has supported more than 25,000 youth over the past seven decades. 

I always knew I wanted to become a mentor because of the impact my older brother Mike had on me growing up. Mike was incredibly kind and that set the tone for me on how to treat others. This tone is something that I absolutely try to carry with me in everything that I do today.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

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