The Freemans’ son Aidan has Rett syndrome. They’re running Boston for him.
"Aidan is a champion. He deserves to be a child."
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 15, 2019.
Names: Tracy and Michael Freeman
Ages: 43, 46
From: Stoughton, Massachusetts
Bib #s: 29138, 29118
On April 15, we will be running the Boston Marathon in honor of our son Aidan, and all others who struggle with Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome is a debilitating syndrome that mainly affects girls. Males rarely survive with Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome has the symptoms of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and autism. It causes bone density loss, hypertonia, hypotonia, and many other symptoms. Aidan is our warrior. He is more than a syndrome — he is pure love. Aidan is a remarkable son and brother, who continuously defies the odds.
Aidan spent the first year of his life fighting for his life. He was intubated through numerous battles with pneumonia, RSV, flu, and numerous other respiratory ailments. He used all his strength to stay with us, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
Aidan has a feeding tube, tracheostomy, wrist, hip, and leg braces. Aidan is non-verbal, except for babbles and laughter. He communicates in numerous other ways, especially his beautiful eyes. He is non-ambulatory and in a wheelchair. He suffers from seizures. A common cold can be life threatening with his weakened immune system. He has to take dozens of medications and he smiles through them. Aidan attends a special school and works harder at life than any child should ever have to work. Aidan is a champion. He deserves to be a child.
We decided one way to fight for Aidan is to raise money for research, hoping for a cure or treatment.
Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.
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Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
