My Story…
Why I'm Running the Falmouth Road Race
Hey everyone, Kate Gaffey here. Ex-club Larosse/Field Hockey player...nowhere near a skilled track athlete—BUT here I am, running the Falmouth Road Race on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts with a heart full of purpose— I'm running for my Dad. Sarah Rehak, my very close friend who is running for the BIA-MA for a second year, completed the Boston Marathon this April, and I was immediately inspired and knew that now more than ever, I wanted to contribute to an incredible cause near and dear to our family's hearts. I also wanted to take on a physical challenge, just as my Dad has for the last 5 months...and if you know my Dad, you know he is absolutely pumped that I am running this race. An avid cyclist, biking upwards of 70 miles a day, I think I have 7 miles in me.
I want to share with you more in depth why I am running this race this year. On Thanksgiving, my Dad, Brian Gaffey, sustained a severe traumatic brain injury after a freak fall. He spent 1 whole month in a coma, waking up on Christmas day. 1 month in a coma, 1 month in the hospital, 2 months in Rehab, and now 4 months... HOME. There was a lot of uncertainty and fear, but there is one thing for certain-my Dad is a living miracle. Truly. We have a long journey ahead as we support my Dad in relearning how to think, walk, talk, and get back to his daily life. He is genuinely crushing his recovery. This experience has shaped our family immensely and we are stronger than ever. I am so blessed to have my amazing Mother, Kim, and twin brother, Kyle. My Dad has progressed through this journey with strength, determination, and positivity that humbles me every single day. Every day that Brian Gaffey is a part of is a great day, and I am beyond grateful to have him as my father.
I am running for my Dad and everyone fighting to reclaim their lives after a TBI. I am running for the families and caregivers, and everyone affected. I am sending them all of the love, healing, and strength. If you feel motivated to support BIA-MA, I encourage you to donate!
Description
Thank you for coming to my page to make a donation toward my efforts to support the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA)!
BIA-MA strives to create a better future for all those affected by brain injury. The purpose of the organization is to educate the public on the risk and impact of brain injury, to promote programs that educate and prevent those injuries, to advocate for improved legislation, and to offer support and resources to individuals with brain injuries, their caregivers, and their families.
Together, we are the VOICE OF BRAIN INJURY!
Recent donors
Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
---|---|---|
Jul 21 | Donatella DiPietrantonio & Family | Undisclosed amount |
Jul 21 | Jordan Family | Undisclosed amount |
Jul 21 | Danielle Major | $17.20 |
Jul 21 | Emily Quereux | $11.75 |
Jul 21 | Sean Murphy | $28.10 |
Jul 20 | Kelly and Chief | $218.85 |
Jul 18 | The Dockray’s | $109.85 |
Jul 04 | Meghan Fitzwilliam | $109.85 |
Jun 13 | Peter & Jackie Dawley | Undisclosed amount |
May 17 | Julie Clark | Undisclosed amount |