My team
Why I am running for SMILE Mass?
Meet Stephen Kuhn – SMILE Mass Athlete
Stephen Kuhn is no stranger to the finish line. A dedicated athlete with a passion for adaptive running, Stephen joined SMILE Mass three years ago and has been an unstoppable force ever since.
Stephen first discovered his love for racing in 2016 when he joined an adaptive running program that quickly became a cornerstone of his life. Over the next seven years, he participated in seven 5Ks and numerous shorter races—each one a celebration of strength, spirit, and perseverance. He even completed the Falmouth Road Race as a duo runner three years ago and is thrilled to return this year as part of the SMILE Mass team.
What makes Stephen’s running journey especially remarkable is that he does it all while living with significant contractures and a two-inch leg length difference—challenges that might stop others but only motivate him more. His determination and joy on the course are what SMILE Mass is all about.
When he’s not training, Stephen enjoys his day program, solving 500–1000 piece puzzles, and reading—he’s currently making his way through Shakespeare. But his proudest cheering section? His siblings, Leslie and Nick, who are not just his biggest supporters, but his favorite people.
Stephen embodies the spirit of inclusion and resilience that defines SMILE Mass. We can’t wait to cheer him on in Falmouth!
Description
SMILE Mass is excited to be participating in our 15th Falmouth Road Race on August 17th 2025.
The Falmouth event is one of SMILE Mass' favorite events as the crowd, the course and the scenery are all breathtaking. The 7 mile course is challenging to say the least but the enthusiasm of the crowd, the incredible views of the ocean with waves crashing beside and the thrill of running as part of the SMILE Mass team is beyond description.
The mission of SMILE Mass is to help families raising children or adults with disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through vacation and recreation experiences. We run for those who can't.
Over the last 14 years, SMILE Mass has:
* Donated over 180 floating beach wheelchairs to public beaches throughout New England making the joy of a day at the beach to be accessible for all.
*Created an Equipment Loaner Program that allows families to borrow adapted equipment free of charge for a day, a week, or longer.
* Purchased and opened an accessible beach rental in Truro, MA (Cape Cod) so families can enjoy a beach vacation.
* Built several accessible playgrounds in Metrowest area of Massachusetts.
None of this could have been accomplished without support from caring individuals just like you! Together we can build a world where everyone belongs despite disability. Visit our page at www.smilemass.org or watch our heartwarming video that aired on WCVB-5 for Good to donate or learn more about our mission.
Thank you from the bottom of our heart,
Lotte, Susan and the rest of the SMILE Mass Team
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 16 | Erin, Tony & Aidan DiStefano | $28.10 |
| Aug 14 | Bryan, Colin and the Gillespie Family | $55.35 |
| Aug 06 | The Kroboth Family | $109.85 |
| Aug 05 | Nanci Phillips | $55.35 |
| Aug 04 | Todd and Kate Civin | $6.30 |
| Aug 04 | Dianne McCarthy | $28.10 |
| Aug 03 | Lynne and Larry Dignan | $28.10 |
| Aug 03 | Amanda Schneider | $55.35 |
| Aug 02 | Donna Clarke | Undisclosed amount |
| Aug 01 | Brenda McSherry | $55.35 |
