This athlete had to relearn how to walk. Now he’s running Boston.
"I would never believe someone if they told 15-year-old me that I would be training for my fifth Boston Marathon with 38 marathons already under my belt," wrote Justin O’Connell.
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: Justin O’Connell
Age: 34
From: Franklin, Massachusetts
I was born two months premature with severe scoliosis, which proved to be treatment-resistant following various attempts at non-surgical solutions to reshape the curve in my spine. Without treatment, my life would be at risk. After living with chronic pain, trouble walking or standing for long periods, and countless hour of physical therapy, I was old enough to undergo a spinal fusion surgery at 15. The 12-hour surgery both saved and changed my life.
Following the surgery, I had to relearn how to sit up, stand and walk. I would never believe someone if they told 15-year-old me that I would be training for my fifth Boston Marathon with 38 marathons already under my belt. As a child, I always wanted to participate in sports, but was unable to due to my scoliosis. Now, I am a motivational speaker in my spare time, encouraging audiences with disabilities to live independently and to the fullest extent as I do.
I have lived in an apartment in Franklin with support provided by the human services agency Venture Community Services for the past six years. My case worker supports me closely with activities such as meal preparation, shopping, and most importantly, achieving my goals.
I am running the Boston Marathon on Team Justin, in support of Boston Children’s Hospital. I am running to inspire and motivate others with disabilities, to raise money for children that need critical care like I did and to show the power and impact of the sport of running.
This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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