Let’s do this.

A few years ago, I set a goal for myself: I wanted to run the Boston Marathon before I turned 30. Why? Why not? I like to set goals for myself and then go out and do them. I felt, and feel, that this is a big challenge, and something great to work toward. And, that was it. I set the goal. I talked about that goal for the next couple of years, but never really did anything about it.

Then, this past April, something terrible happened. This made me angry. But, at the same time, it made me even prouder than ever before to be a Bostonian (and I was already extremely proud). The way the city and its people banded together and stood strong in the face of adversity, showed the world something. It showed the world who we are and how strong we are.

As a result of these tragic events, the status of the 2014 Boston Marathon was unknown. Would there be a marathon? Would people even want to run it? Those questions have since been answered. Yes. And, yes.

So, not only is the 2014 Boston Marathon the last chance to complete my goal, but now I have even greater reasons to run. I will run for my city. I will run for my family – the people of Boston. I will run for all those who can’t participate themselves. I will run to show what being “Boston Strong” is all about.

I am extremely happy and excited to say that I will be running the 2014 Boston Marathon as part of the Boston Children’s Hospital team. If you know me, you know I love helping kids. So naturally, this is a perfect match. All of the money I raise will go toward helping the patients, their families, as well as the hospital. This money will be used to ensure the hospital is able to provide the absolute best service and care to the kids in need. My hope and dream is that one day, the children who are patients at the hospital today, will grow up and be healthy enough to run the Boston Marathon for themselves. The money I raise will help make that happen.

So, this is it. I am doing it. But, I can’t do it alone. I need your help. My fundraising goal is set at $5,000 and I need you to help me get there. By donating, you will not only be helping me, but more importantly, you will be helping the patients at Boston Children’s Hospital. Any and all contributions will truly mean a lot to me, and the kids I am running for.

Here is the link to my fundraising page: http://www.milesformiracles.org/goto/vdigirolamo

I certainly have a long few months of training ahead of me, but I’m looking forward to it. Please be sure to check back as I’m going to be posting about the entire experience leading up to April 21st. I get chills just thinking about crossing the finish line…

Thank you all in advance for your support! I truly appreciate it.

-V

#vincerunsboston