The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts team will run in one of the “best non-marathon races in the country” to raise funds to support its mission as Team BIA-MA competes in the New Balance Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, BIA-MA announced.
The annual seven-mile race attracts an estimated 11,000 racers from across the globe — 10 of these participants form Team BIA-MA, each with their own personal connection to BIA-MA and brain injuries: Julia Doucett (Watertown) runs for the survivors that have touched her heart during her work as a brain injury rehab therapist; Julie Marlowe (Woburn) runs for her son, a brain injury survivor; Janelle Hickey, (Roslindale) runs for her mother, a survivor who has been supported by BIA for over 20 years; Courtney Farrell (Hopedale) runs for her sister, who suffered a brain injury during a cheerleading performance; Katie McNamara (Clinton) runs for her mother and other survivors no longer able to run; Matt Martino (Lynnfield) runs for his brother, a brain injury survivor; Andrea Zuchora (Westborough) runs for her mother, and all mothers and daughters affected by brain injury; Beth Pusey (Holden) is part of the BIA-MA staff hoping to help further the organization’s mission. Charles Bostwick (Westborough) and JoAnne Young (South Easton) complete the 2016 Team BIA-MA.
While the Falmouth Road Race was not intended to be a charity race, their “Numbers for Nonprofit” program allows organizations like BIA-MA to race and raise funds through FirstGiving, the race’s official fundraising partner. Donations to Team BIA-MA support leadership, support services, advocacy, and prevention and education programs.
“We’re so thankful for all of our volunteers and particularly those who run Falmouth,” said Nicole Godaire, BIA-MA Executive Director. “They all have such personal connections to the organization and while running a road race in August is by no means an easy task, it’s a testament to their commitment to our organization.”
BIA-MA is one of the first and oldest organizations in the state to offer support and resources to brain injury survivors and their families, in addition to prevention programs, education, and legislative advocacy. Their mission is to create a better future for survivors and their families, and their work will continue with three walks held across the state in September.
The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain injury while reducing its incidence and impact through prevention programs, education and training and legislative advocacy.
Founded in 1982, the BIA-MA is the primary conduit between survivors and an extensive network of facilities, programs and professionals including 40 statewide support groups. The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts is a chartered affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America.
For more information, visit www.biama.org or call (800) 242-0030.