A decade of fundraising for kids led Kaylee Wallace to run Boston
"Little did I know that this school project would...transform into a 10-year fundraising journey."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.
Name: Kaylee Wallace
Age: 26
From: Boston
I am running the Boston Marathon to fundraise for Boston Children’s and help “make the world more beautiful.” When I was six years old my first grade class read Barbara Cooney’s “Miss Rumphius,” a story about a woman who planted lupines in her community “to make the world more beautiful.” My teacher then asked each of us: how would you give back to your community? I decided I wanted to have a lemonade stand to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital. Little did I know that this (originally hypothetical) school project would not only become a reality that summer, but transform into a 10-year fundraising journey.
The first five years I spent summers selling lemonade in front of my grandparents’ house in Wellfleet, Mass. and the latter five years I hosted an annual event at the local bowling alley. Over that decade I raised about $20,000 for Boston Children’s. Now, 20 years after starting my lemonade stand I will be running my first Boston, and first marathon. I am thrilled to be back fundraising for Children’s as part of the Miles for Miracles team and I am so thankful for my incredible support system.
To the family, teammates, friends, friends of friends, coworkers and all who have contributed to this cause — this one’s for you! Lastly, to my superstar, Disney Frozen-loving, patient partner, Grace, thank you for inspiring me through each run. Though much of my training has happened in below freezing temperatures, I think of the amazing community behind me and realize, the cold never bothered me anyway!
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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