Team Owen Simmons is now 100 runners strong — 30 of whom are running their first race!!! WOW! WOW! And triple WOW! And this dedicated group of SMA Warriors are motivated and determined to help stomp out Spinal Muscular Atrophy!!!
We are so moved by this effort and the many poignant elements to this event. It is all being done in memory of a gorgeous little boy, Owen Simmons, forever 23 months. It was organized by the incredible Stephen Taylor, whose positivity and grit make even non-runners want to be involved — and Owen's courageous mother, Heather, is one of them. Heather has been training for months to embark on her very first race — her very first — and we think she's absolutely incredible! Owen's big brother, Adyn, is also part of the big day, designing the special running shirt for each supporter. Friends are involved in every aspect of the race, some racers are coming in from other states for it, and so many in the community have gotten behind this inspiring movement! And their mantra is “We run for those who can't.” Their determination gives us chills! Over the last few weeks they have been meeting up for training runs — early weekend mornings, in the cold, up hill… But they have done it. And last weekend they unfurled the Team Owen banner for the first time. It was an emotional day as they prepare for the BIG race in just one more week — ONE WEEK!!!
After the New Bedford streets are trounced, they have planned a post-race celebration at Cafe Funchal with food, drinks, a raffle and a band organized by Team Owen super supporters Gillian and Claudia Sampson and Hank Turgeon!!! And Team Owen deserves to celebrate! 100 runners lending their bodies to help end SMA, dozens of non-running friends helping to spread awareness and cheer on the athletes, and we couldn't be more proud of the entire group!!! Go Team Owen! Go! Go! Go!!! You guys are AMAZING!!!
To join us in cheering on Team Owen donate to Heather's fundraising page and let her know how amazing she is!
And how cool is this — another SMA team, organized by the awesome Erwin family in New York, will be running the NYC Half Marathon on the exact same day! We LOVE it! And we are cheering them on, too!!! SMA, you better watch out! There are a lot of people coming after you!