Readers Say

Tracy Freeman is running Boston in honor of her late son

"Aidan carried a light and wisdom beyond his years along with a million smiles, love and laughter."

By James Bartlett

1 minute to read

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: Tracy Freeman
Age: 46
From: Stoughton

I am running for Rett Syndrome Angels in honor of my son Aidan Michael.

Rett Syndrome is so rare in males that Aidan brought our family our one in a million. We are forever grateful to have had him in this world for as long as we did, yet devastated by his loss. Aidan was rare and not just because of Rett Syndrome, Aidan was rare because he was so magnificent.

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Aidan carried a light and wisdom beyond his years along with a million smiles, love and laughter. His life brought along many medical complexities and he fought with a stamina that seemed unimaginable to everyone around him. He met those complexities with light, laughter, kindness and a wicked sense of humor.

Aidan was easy to love. One look at the twinkle in his eye or the sly grin on his face and you were hooked. You were brought into his world that was filled with resilience, love and kindness. His breathtaking, magnetic blue eyes drew you into his world. He lives in our hearts and in the hearts of the Rett community, where he so beautifully helped males to be recognized. He was always a trailblazer and so graciously accepted this role.

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To say Aidan was outstanding does not begin to captivate all that he brought to his family and to this world. To celebrate his contributions, continue them and honor him is a privilege.

I am running in his honor, remembering him with a smile, and to bring hope to families living with Rett Syndrome. Aidan was our family’s heart. He was the little man who bravely helped change the world for the better, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I am running in Aidan Michael’s honor, our one in a million.

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

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