Andrea's 2015 Boston Marathon

A bit about The Foundation and the Vision:

Carlos Arredondo, the "Marathon cowboy" and his wife Melida recently started the Arredondo Family Foundation. The thing about being in the right place at the wrong time, and being trained to handle the worst, is that you act; Carlos rushed the finish line, and he saved a life. He is not the only friend I have who responded, selflessly, to aid in the continued life of another; inspirational is an understatement. Carlos has his passions, and his own reasons for supporting the Marathon, and now he has enough publicity to broaden his wave; but there is a back story.

Boston stands as one.
Carlos stands for Boston; but there is more.

Carlos had two sons.

Alex, fought for America and was killed in Iraq combat in 2004; Brian, overwhelmed by his brother's death, took his own life in 2011.

The Arredondo Family Foundation raises educational scholarship funds in honor of both boys as well as awareness and advocacy for families struggling with the loss of a child to international war fatality or to the internal, mental war sometimes ending in suicide.

A bit about me:

I grew up running, it has been my realest life passion, and the simple method to my madness is the absolute joy and rush of adrenaline I feel after hitting the pavement.

In 2013, I was a bystander at the tragedy that occurred at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Several of my family and college friends were present and a few injured and rushed to various area hospitals.

 Boston had been the city I had called home for nearly 6 years, and it was where I called home in the deepest most loving manner. To see the most iconic street in Boston devastated by the acts of few gave me a vantage point into the lives of those that face war on a day to day basis- the challenges are real and unfathomable.

I was struck by the solidarity of our city- and really by the world. The days, weeks, months, and even years following the tragedy, the city was buzzing with positive energy and people came together from all walks of life- It was truly remarkable. This year I run for this cause and to honor my fellow Bostonians to keep the spirit alive on the greatest day of the year in Boston. Together we run! This is my passion. 

The creation of the Arredondo Family Foundation in response to personal and public tragedy is a statement of perseverance and of unrelenting positive social change.

I run for anyone who has lost a child and for anyone who stands again, after any setback. I run for those supporting our country and for anyone who has delt with the pangs of suicide. I run for education and becuase I can. When you donate to this cause, I will run for you.

Please, support a foundation that I believe in, The Arredondo Family Foundation.

Today I stand with a team. We stand with YOU.

TOGETHER we can. Thank you.