Help Meghan raise money

While I was already SO excited to join EastersealsMA team for the innaugural Dick Hoyt Memorial "Yes YOU Can" Run Memorial Day weekend, it became extra meaningful this past week following the passing of his son Rick who he competed for and with for so many years.

I had the pleasure of meeting this Dynamic Duo just once at a Boston Marathon Expo years ago, but their energy & spirit was infectious.

Easterseals and the Hoyt family have been intertwined for years both with the same purpose of championing accessibility for all. 

Despite being this year's race director, Rick's final public appearance turned out to be at Easterseals Move With Me event last Saturday due to his unexpected passing Monday AM.

From the words of Paul Medeiros, Easterseals CEO:

Rick and his father Dick began a journey in 1977 when they ran their first 5 mile race together. They would go on to participate in over 1000 races including marathons, Iron Man Triathlons, and even a trek across the United States.  Together, they challenged what was possible for people with disabilities, and told a community facing numerous barriers, “Yes You Can!”.  Rick passed away only a year after losing his father, Dick.  

I am going to leave you by relaying the final words of Rick’s speech on Saturday (Rick is also an AT user who maximized the power of AT by living independently for years).  They feel even more impactful now.  “Remember I love you, and yes you can!”

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Dick and his father inspired and paved the way for so many including organizations like Achilles International, Team with a Vision, Ainsley's Angels, United In Stride and so many more proving you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.

Their legacy continues with the Hoyt Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to helping other people with disabilities achieve their goals.

Feel free to donate if so inspired!