My team
Why I am running for SMILE Mass?
Run for Abby. Carry Her Forward.
On August 16th, I will be running the Falmouth Road Race in honor of my daughter, Abby—and to support individuals and families in the same community she was part of.
Abby lived her life with special needs. She showed me every day what strength, resilience, and unconditional love truly look like. She also showed me that access to life’s simplest joys—connection, inclusion, and community—is not always easy to come by.
We lost Abby in January at just 25 years old. That loss is something I carry with me every single day.
While Abby did not have the opportunity to be part of SMILE Mass during her lifetime, I found SMILE Mass in the months after her passing—and I immediately saw the impact. SMILE Mass is helping individuals and families in the same disabled community that Abby was part of. They are creating opportunities, building connections, and making it possible for people to experience joy, movement, and belonging in ways that are often out of reach.
As I learned more, I knew this was something Abby would have loved to be part of. And I knew this was how I wanted to honor her.
So I’m running.
I’m running for Abby’s life—for the lessons she taught me—and for every individual and family who deserves access to the kind of support and community that SMILE Mass provides.
Every mile I run is for her.Every step is a way to carry her forward.And every dollar raised helps ensure that others in Abby’s community have access to the programs, resources, and moments of joy that mean so much.
Thank you for supporting me, for supporting SMILE Mass, and for helping me honor Abby in a way that continues her impact.
— Johannah
Description
SMILE Mass is excited to be participating in our 16th Falmouth Road Race on August 16th 2026.
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 16 years, SMILE Mass has:
* Launched our newest and fastest growing program, Club SMILE Mass, which allows children and adults with disabilities to enjoy gym, swim, social group, Bingo, music therapy and so much more with like-minded people.
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 27 | Barre Nana | $109.85 |
| Apr 26 | Ann Elise Shea | $28.10 |
| Apr 24 | Mike and Scott diggins | $109.85 |
| Apr 23 | Denise Duff your friend 💖 | $28.10 |
| Apr 23 | Gabby Fraser | $28.10 |
| Apr 23 | Brenna | $28.10 |
| Apr 23 | John and Liz Delaurie | $28.10 |
| Apr 23 | Annie Dio | $28.10 |
| Apr 23 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 23 | Hannah E | Undisclosed amount |
