Richard Kerr is running for his nephew with Rett Syndrome

"Aidan is a remarkable 6 year old boy who has beaten the odds."

Richard Kerr is running for his nephew with Rett Syndrome. Richard Kerr

February 27, 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 #WhyImRunningBoston story here.

Name: Richard Kerr
Age: 47
From: North Easton, Massachusetts

On Monday, April 20, I will be running the Boston Marathon in honor of my nephew, Aidan Freeman, and all others who struggle with Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a unique developmental disorder caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called MECP2, which occurs in about one in 10,000 children. It is even more rare in boys. The course of Rett syndrome, including the age of onset and severity, varies from child to child. As the syndrome progresses, most children lose purposeful use of their hands and the ability to speak. Other symptoms may include loss of motor skills, onset of breathing and cardiac irregularities, seizures, digestive problems, scoliosis, and tremors.

Aidan is a remarkable 6 year old boy who has beaten the odds. Aidan is one of only a handful of boys living with Rett Syndrome. My sister, Tracy, and brother-in-law, Michael, have previously run the marathon to raise awareness about Rett Syndrome and to raise funds to support research in hopes of someday reversing Rett. This year, I have decided to continue our family’s fight for this important cause!

Running the Boston Marathon has always been something I wanted to do, but I always lacked the motivation or focus. Now, Aidan and those others that are struggling with Rett Syndrome have given me a reason and purpose for those long, cold morning runs. The challenge of running 26.2 miles is nothing compared to what they go through every day. I am looking forward to spreading awareness of Rett Syndrome from Hopkinton to Boston, and hopefully raising some funds along the way!

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