Why I’m Running: Meghan Edmonston is running Boston in honor of her dad
"On Thanksgiving night, 2011, I lost my hero."
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 on April 16, 2018. Editor’s note: Due to the number of submissions already received, we are no longer accepting entries for this year’s race.Name:
Meghan Edmonston
Age: 31
From: Easton
Bib #: 26055
Meghan Edmonston and Tedy Bruschi.
This year will be my very first Boston Marathon! I’m running for Tedy Bruschi’s Tedy’s Team and the American Stroke Association in honor of my Dad, Don.
In 2001, when I was 14 years old, my Dad suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke. He persevered through aphasia (difficulty understanding and articulating speech), reduced mobility in a wheelchair, a heart attack, pacemaker insertion, and a transfemoral amputation in the years following his stroke. On Thanksgiving night, 2011, I lost my hero.
After my Dad had his stroke I became extremely focused on health and fitness. Crossfit and running became a cathartic way to deal with my pain. It also motivated me to become a physical therapist, which I now have a doctorate in, to help others in need.
I know as I’m crossing that finish line, he’ll be watching over me, with a big grin on his face.
Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.
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Editor’s note: Entries may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
