My Story...
Hope you are all having a great Summer!! This year I am and running the Falmouth Road Race to benefit the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. I am also running to remember a friend and fellow firefighter and Vietnam Veteran who had ties to the respite center. His name is Jerry Stanhope.
Back in 1993 I was just hired at Natick Fire and was lucky enough to be put on Jerrys shift. Soon I was stationed at the Oak St. station with Jerry, where I would work with him for about 7 years. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor to show me the ropes of what it means to be a good firefighter. I got to know Jerry and his adult son, Michael, who was born with severe disabilities. That's where the respite Center comes in!
Jerry would work every day running his construction business but also put in many hours helping with anything that needed fixing at the respite center. Michael would stay there on days and nights when Jerry was at the station. It was a match made in Heaven! Sadly, Michael passed away in 2002 shortly before Jerry did in 2003. Both after lengthy battles to esophageal cancer. Jerrys picture above, hangs over the dive team room at the fire station downtown. Every time I walk into the station I look up and see his face and it reminds me of what a great and honorable man he was. For a guy that had so much weight on his shoulders he always kept a smile on his face and a great laugh. He was an amazing guy!!
Jerry and Michael Stanhope were an integral part of creating the Respite Center's programming. All of the early days of the center's programs were curated to meet Jerry, and Michael Stanhope's needs- which then evolved into the robust day program that we are today! please take a minute and read the article below about Jerry and his son Michael Stanhope.
Please take a minute and read the article about how Jerry became involved with the respite center and it's ties to Natick Fire!!
THANK YOU for any donation you are able to make in Jerrys honor to help keep the Michael Lisnow Respite Center (and me) running !!
Description
Falmouth Road Race fundraising page to benefit The Michael Lisnow Respite Center!
The Michael Lisnow Respite Center is a home away from home for children and adults with disabilities, a place that offers parents time off from the emotional and physical care needed by their children.
100% of the proceeds will benefit the Michael Lisnow Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is awarded to children in our daycare whose families cannot afford services. Every dollar counts!
Thank you so much for your support!
#WE ARE RESPITE!
For more information on the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, please visit www.hopkintonrespite.org
Recent Rockstar Donors
Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
---|---|---|
Aug 21 | Orthopedics New England | $109.85 |
Aug 20 | Michael Slattery | $28.10 |
Aug 16 | Mike Conlin | $37.18 |
Aug 16 | Hank D | $55.35 |
Aug 16 | Ann Botka | $55.35 |
Aug 16 | Collins family | $109.85 |
Aug 16 | Clive Harris | $55.35 |
Aug 16 | Kathy Mee | $50.00 |
Aug 16 | Paul White | $55.35 |
Aug 15 | Jeff Cohen | $55.35 |