Thanks to my older brother Tyler, a firefighter at Engine 30, I have been given another incredible opportunity to run in the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2019 as a representative of the Boston Fire Department, in support of the Thomas William Quinn Memorial Scholarship. It is my honor and pleasure to be running the Boston Marathon for the third time! Last year I ran (and finished) the 2018 Boston Marathon in the worst weather conditions in history of the event. Throughout my 26.2 miles it was a torrential downpour with heavy rain, sleet, and 20-30 mph headwinds. Despite the freezing wet weather, my family, friends, and the city of Boston showed up and stood outside in the pouring rain to support, inspire, and push me to the finish. Desiree Linden also showed up, and won the Boston Marathon! One of the most memorable moments of the marathon was at the top Heartbreak Hill where I was definitely struggling. I found out I was going to have a niece! I saw my sister-in law holding a sign that read “It’s a girl!.” I was overcome with so much joy and happiness I could barely contain myself. That moment will forever be etched in my mind, as my one of my favorite memories. This year I am crossing my fingers for clear skies, a celeb sighting from Des, and another race of my lifetime.

I am so excited to be running the Boston Marathon for the third time through my incredible city for such a great cause, the Thomas William Quinn Memorial Scholarship. Tommy’s untimely death, at the young age of fourteen, changed so many lives forever, and this scholarship will honor Tommy and help keep his memory strong. Tommy was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of six and battled through; blindness, chemotherapy and weekly visits to Dana Farber for eight years. Tommy was loved by all and fought his diagnosis with a courageous faith that a cure would be found. That led his father, Tom, a Boston firefighter with Ladder 23 and Engine 24, to start running the Boston Marathon along with other firefighters to raise awareness for Brain Tumor Research.

I have had the utmost honor of running alongside so many courageous, kind, loyal, and brave Boston Firefighters throughout my training for the 2017 and 2018 Boston Marathons. Among these firefighters was Tom Quinn, Tommy’s dad. Tom was an amazing support to me as I embraced the freezing cold and seemingly impossible route from Hopkinton to Boston during our marathon training. During these 20 mile training runs we talked a lot about Tommy, life, and the importance of embracing each day. Tom encouraged, challenged, and cheered for me throughout the 20 mile training runs, especially on heartbreak hill when I needed it the most.

Many important people in my life have helped to shape and influence me to become the best that I can be. In particular, I would like to mention my two extraordinary brothers, Tyler and Jeremiah. They are both Army veterans and community helpers. Together they have served and protected our country for a combined total of 19 years and are now dedicated to serving and protecting our community. My older brother, Tyler is a Boston Firefighter at Engine 30, and my younger brother, Jeremiah, is a Boston Police Officer in District A1. Their selflessness and commitment to helping others since they were both very young continues to impress upon me the importance of giving back.

I am embracing the challenge of running the 2019 Boston Marathon for Tommy, my amazing brothers, my fierce mom who never misses a race (my best cheerleader) and all of the civil service men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. It is my hope that you will also honor them by committing to sponsor me. I have pledged to raise $2,500 by April 15th. My promise to you is that I will show up and run all 26.2 miles with my whole heart.

Thank you for your encouragement, support, love, and generosity, it truly means the world to me. I hope to see you all on the Boston Marathon course!

Peace & Love,

Alexandra