Why this runner’s Boston Marathon will help two dreams come true
AGAWAM — When Cindy Lilly went to Logan International Airport in Boston last December, she wasn't there to jet off on a dream vacation. She went to meet a 6-year old boy she is helping by running in Monday's Boston Marathon.
Lilly, 43, is on Team Make-A-Wish representing Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She is running and raising money to help the organization grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Brayden Ginthwain, from Stow, has a rare immune disorder and underwent a stem cell transplant as part of his treatment, according to Lilly and the nonprofit.
The Agawam woman has raised $13,000, which covers the cost of the boy's trip with his family to Walt Disney World. When Lilly met him, she promised to help get him to Florida by raising money and running in the marathon.
Lilly is part of the 12-member team of runners who are enduring the 26.2-mile challenge. The entire group has raised nearly $200,000, according to Make-A-Wish.
"It gives you something more than yourself to run for," she told The Republican. "You're more than just running to cross the finish. You made a commitment to someone, not just to raise the money, but that you're going to finish the race. It gives you something to think about every mile."
Training in trenches
Lilly has spent the last several months training by running short distances with friends during the week through neighborhoods in Agawam. They do longer runs on the weekends when they practice on tougher routes that have hills throughout the region.
"I have a core group of running friends. We all support each other, and if anyone's training for something, we'll get together so no one runs alone," she said.
Lacing up and stepping out Monday on the arduous run from Hopkinton to Boston is Lilly's own dream come true. While she has run five half marathons and two full marathons in Vermont and Maine, this is the first time she has competed in the iconic event, now in its 129th year.
"I'm excited because it's something I've always wanted to do. The anticipation and buildup stir your nerves when people talk to you about it," she said.
Training and running are not the most difficult hills to climb for Lilly — raising money by asking people for donations didn't come easy for her, but she was pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of support.
Lilly raised money by posting messages in social media and holding a fundraising event.
"I approached people and just said, 'I'm running the Boston Marathon' and usually, as soon as I told them I'm running as part of team Make-A-Wish, they said, 'Stop right there. I'm in,'" according to Lilly.
Rooting for each other
Lilly works as a demand manager at Collins Aerospace in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. She is also a part-time bartender with a 15-year-old son who enjoys lacrosse and wrestling. She's on the sidelines cheering him on when he competes. He's been returning the favor by rooting for her in races.
Lilly said her boy is healthy, but she can quickly come up with the names of people she knows who have children with serious health issues and are relying on Make-A-Wish to make their dreams become real.
"In western Mass. alone, there's 80 children waiting for their wishes to be granted. There's so many children and families going through such hard times. It makes me grateful that my child did not have any medical issues. I'm lucky," she said.
A spokesperson for the nonprofit said each marathon runner is paired with a wish recipient "for inspiration and support throughout the runner's marathon training journey."
Cindy Lilly of Agawam competes in a marathon in Maine. (Photo provided)Staff
Having her eye on the finish line will help Lilly push through the competition. She is also being spurred on by a boy she met only recently, a child who will have his wish granted the moment she ends the race.
"He was a little shy, but I was able to talk to his dad, who said how excited Brayden is," said Lilly. "Every mile is dedicated to someone, so that's in your head, like, this mile is for Brayden."
