Help Michele raise money

Running Falmouth Road Race with Team CPN this year has special meaning as I will be running in memory of our beloved son, Mateo, who died on Valentine's Day.  Following Mateo's death, Johnny told us he wanted to change his name to Quinn as he no longer felt like Johnny as Mateo and Johnny always went together.  Very early in life, Mateo was met with a litany of things he would never be able to do. His limitations were real, but his drive and determination far exceeded predictions.  Mateo taught us that no diagnosis can define who we are nor determine the difference we make in this world.  

Mateo’s ability to communicate his desires and dreams, ride his adaptive bike, windsurf, dance all night at the Boston College Campus School’s semi-formals in his gait trainer, collect dollar bills during his work with the coffee cart, and set new records walking in his gait trainer, never ceased to inspire all of us who knew and loved him.  Mateo had seizures since infancy, multiple hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses, and eight surgeries during his life. He always recovered with courage, perseverance and resilience. 

As his mothers, we navigated the world of his medical challenges and services with dogged determination, skill and a sense of justice.  Mateo will be remembered as the ambassador of Love as he always connected us to extraordary people, including Blyth Lord and The Courageous Parents Network.  CPN has been important to me as both a pediatric chaplain and as a parent.

I am running for CPN in celebration of Mateo's capacity to share his love with so many people and to never give up.  During the last year of his life, Mateo went from being able to walk only 4-5 steps, after being confined to a bed in the ICU for 5 months, to breaking his all time walking record in his gait trainer with 1300+ steps with his dog Amiga along the Mystic River!

Please join me in supporting CPN to continue their work to bring life changing resources, accompaniment, and hope to families with a child with a life threatening and chronic illness.  

Wishing you all health and happiness! 

Michele