My team
My Story…
When a child needs extended care at Boston Children's Hospital, every moment matters, and every parent wants to be as close as possible.
Families travel from across the country, and around the world, to Boston Children's Hospital seeking world-class care for children with complex medical conditions. Many arrive expecting a short stay, only to learn they'll be there for weeks or even months at a time. Hotel costs quickly become overwhelming, and every mile away from the hospital is time spent away from their child.
That's where Live4Evan changes lives.
One family whose journey demonstrates the impact of Live4Evan is Casey's (pictured below). Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Casey's parents spent months preparing for his arrival, knowing they would need to temporarily relocate from Connecticut to Boston so they could be close to Boston Children's Hospital. Casey underwent his first open-heart surgery at just three days old and another at five months old. During this very challenging time, Live4Evan provided Casey's family with temporary housing just steps from the hospital, allowing them to remain together and close to him throughout his care. Instead of dealing with the burden of finding and paying for a place to stay, they could focus on what mattered most, which was supporting their son through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Casey's story is exactly why Live4Evan exists, but it isn't the only one.
Three years ago, my own family experienced firsthand the challenges that so many families face. When our daughter, Jordyn (pictured below), required an extended stay at Boston Children's Hospital, we suddenly understood the emotional, logistical, and financial strain that comes with having a child hospitalized for an extended period. During that incredibly difficult time, Live4Evan was there for us as well.
Our connection to Live4Evan actually began long before that experience. My wife and I have been involved with the organization for more than 10 years, have proudly run on the Live4Evan Falmouth Road Race team for over six years, and my father-in-law serves on the organization's Board of Directors. Supporting this mission has always been important to us, but after experiencing its impact firsthand, it became very personal.
Every family's story is unique. Casey's journey. Jordyn's journey. Hundreds of others who have traveled to Boston hoping for the best possible outcome for their children. What they all have in common is that they deserve to stay together during the moments that matter most.
Live4Evan provides families with far more than just a place to stay. It provides stability during uncertainty, relief from overwhelming financial burdens, and the priceless opportunity for parents to remain close to their child throughout treatment and recovery. At a time when families should be focused entirely on their child's health, they shouldn't also have to worry about where they'll sleep or how they'll afford to stay nearby.
As I run the Falmouth Road Race once again in support of Live4Evan, I hope you'll consider making a donation or sharing this fundraiser. Every contribution helps another family stay together during one of the hardest experiences they will ever face.
Thank you for helping families like Casey's, families like ours, and so many others receive the comfort, support, and peace of mind they deserve.
❤️ 💪
Description
ABOUT US: The Live4Evan Organization was formed out of a desire to recognize and support the critical relationship between a child and their loved ones. We believe that there is no greater gift to be given than a parent’s love to a child. We understand the importance of staying by a child’s side without having to worry about the additional burdens that life can place on us. And so, our organization works tirelessly to provide financial and emotional support to families by providing them with temporary housing while their child receives congenital cardiac treatment.
The Falmouth Road Race has been a crucial fundraiser for Live4Evan for the past 8 years. Over this time, the Live4Evan team members have collectively raised over $720,000. Thanks in large part to these efforts, Live4Evan is currently providing SEVEN patient-family apartments for families traveling to Boston for pediatric cardiac care. These apartments are next to Boston Children's Hospital and offer calm and comfort in the midst of such a difficult time. The close proximity to the hospital ensures that caretakers can be at their loved ones bedside in a moment's notice. The need for patient-family housing is critical and Live4Evan is committed to increasing our apartment portfolio in order to help additional families.
OUR STORY: Live4Evan was founded in memory of Evan Girardi, who passed away his senior year of college from a heart arrhythmia. Evan was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) known as Corrected L-Transposition of the Great Arteries. Despite his heart condition, Evan lived his life to the fullest. Rather than allow Evan’s passing to put an end to the life and legacy that Evan had built, his friends and family formed Live4Evan to serve as a testament to the power of relationships and the importance of having loved ones by your side.
Watch our video to learn more about the Live4Evan Organization by clicking HERE or by visiting our website.
DONATE: If you would like to make a donation, support one of our runners below or send a check to LIVE4EVAN at P.O. Box 845 Hopkinton, MA 01748
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 10 | Chelsea & Jimmy | $109.85 |
| Jul 03 | roy pirrung | $25.00 |
| Jul 02 | Jacquelyn Leveille | $109.85 |
| Jul 01 | Patti Alexander | $50.00 |
| Jun 29 | Fundraising Incentive (Week 1- Top 3 Fundraiser) | $200.00 |
| Jun 28 | Anonymous | $109.85 |
| Jun 26 | Brian Buckley | $109.85 |
| Jun 24 | Ginny Picking | $109.85 |
| Jun 24 | Rob/Sam Picking | $100.00 |
| Jun 24 | Theresa Kiernan | $55.35 |
