How many of you have heard of I run 4? The I run 4 webpage says:
We all have friends who say, “run some for me,” because they don’t WANT to run. But what about those who can’t run for physical or developmental reasons? Having been inspired by a close friend battling bilateral hip dysplasia, Founder Tim Boyle discovered a whole new inspiration to run.
In a previous post I shared my story of being a runner. As I saw stories of children and their special needs I questioned signing my own son up. He is on the Autism spectrum but high functioning. Many of the families I viewed desperately needed support so I struggled signing Yaakov up to have a runner. Finally, I did and he was paired with Stacy, who lives in New York! She has been running for him for about two years now. He enjoys hearing from her, but her support when we were dealing with IEPs was unreal. She would send photos of Spartan runners saying as a Spartan we back each other.
We were able to go back to New York, so that I could run a race for my buddy. While were there Stacy took the time to come and met Yaakov in person. Though he was pretty rude and wouldn’t talk to her she went with the flow. She brought him several of her medals and a few t-shirts from races she had taken part in. Yaakov’s favorite story from all the race’s was Stephen Siller’s Tunnel to Tower 5K.
On September 11, 2001,
Stephen had just gotten off the late shift at Squad 1, Park Slope, Brooklyn. He was on his way to play golf with his brothers when his scanner told of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers. When he heard the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later, and then returned to Squad 1 to get his gear. Stephen drove his truck to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it was already closed. So he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, rushed on foot through gridlocked traffic and ran from the Tunnel to the Towers where he gave up his life while saving others.
To read all of Stephen’s story visit his webpage.
Yaakov had no desire to go to the 911 memorial until Stacy told him the story. Once we got to the memorial he found Stephen’s name and had his picture taken with it while wearing the shirt Stacy gave him. It was a delight that she was able to spark interest from her races and for something that was important to our history.
Since meeting her, it is clear he is much more interested in her. I believe it is because the relationship is no longer on Facebook, but a real person.
Thank you, Stacy for running for my son. Thank you for running for Autism.
To sign up for a runner or to be come a runner visit I run 4 Michael’s webpage.