Official statement from the American Red Cross

Our hearts go out to everyone in Boston dealing with this tragedy and our thoughts are with all of those injured. The American Red Cross in Boston has a long history of supporting the marathon with volunteers and first aid stations. Even before the explosion we were assisting with the race and we continue to support runners, their loved ones and the entire community with mental health assistance for those who will need emotional support in the coming days.  Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support this event.
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This year I am proud to be running my third Boston Marathon as a member of Team Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is getting a lot of attention lately (and rightly so!) because of the immediate support they offered to the displaced residents of New York and New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy. Nearly 9,000 Red Cross workers were deployed from all 50 states and more than 6 million meals and snacks were served (and continue to be served). For the many families whose homes were completely washed away this help gave them hope and warmth in a time they needed it most.

Having volunteered at the Boston Food Bank (the largest pantry in New England) Ive seen firsthand how The Red Cross helps families everyday in a different but just as important way right here in Massachusetts. Helping to package and distribute fresh produce to the long line of people waiting outside the doors, I witnessed conversations and a familiarity between the volunteers and families that spoke to how this wasnt just about the food.

The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts is one of the largest Red Cross chapters in the nation, serving 181 communities with a population of over five million residents. They are not a government agency. They rely completely on donations of time money and blood to do their work and truly the importance of these donations to their mission cannot be understated. This is where I thought I might be able to help. An average of 91 cents of every dollar donated to the Red Cross goes directly to these vital humanitarian services and programs. I decided to join their team this year to raise awareness and funds for our local Red Cross. Their mission inspires and motivates me to train even harder to achieve my marathon goals and this year Im hoping to set a personal record.

Id like to ask for your help too. A dollar a mile? How about five? No matter what youre able to give know that its going to an organization that is truly meaningful to me and to many families throughout New England and the United States.

Thank you for your support!