Tracy and Michael Freeman are running for their son who has Rett Syndrome

"He is our warrior. He is our champion. He deserves to be a child."

Tracy and Michael Freeman are running the Boston Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Rett Syndrome, a rare condition that their son Aidan suffers from. Tracy and Michael Freeman

By Madelaine Millar

February 21, 2020

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.

Names: Tracy and Michael Freeman
Ages: 44 and 47
From: Stoughton, Massachusetts

On April 20 we will both be running our third Boston Marathon in honor of our son Aidan who has Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a debilitating syndrome that mainly affects girls. 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 a remarkable sweet boy who lives his life defying the odds of a male living with Rett Syndrome.

Aidan is an amazing son and brother who radiates love. Aidan has a tracheostomy, feeding tube, and he has wrist, hip and ankle braces that he has to wear daily. He is rarely seen without a smile on his face or a twinkle in his eyes. He is a beautiful boy who is constantly battling respiratory ailments. Rett Syndrome causes him to have a weakened immune system so a common cold can turn serious and quickly become life threatening. Aidan is non verbal except for his babbles and laughter. He communicates in numerous other ways especially with his beautiful blue eyes. He is non ambulatory and has a wheelchair. He suffers from seizures. He has to take dozens of medications and he smiles and laughs through them all.

Aidan is the strongest person we know. He is our warrior. He is our champion. He deserves to be a child. Aidan attends a special school and he works harder at life than any child should have to work. Aidan is so much more than Rett Syndrome. He is full of life and love. He completes us. We are hoping to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome and funds for RSAM.

Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar