Meet our runners
Andrea McCollem
OCCUPATION:
Paraprofessional Melrose Public Schools
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Team Hoyt has the most inspiring message for not only disabled youth but for individuals of all abilities and ages – “Yes you can”. This is a phrase that I have begun to use almost every day with my children, the students I work with, and even friends and family that need an extra boost of confidence.
I believe so strongly in inclusion and the mission of Team Hoyt to build character, confidence, self-esteem, and equal opportunity for America’s disabled youth.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon
October 2021 – 4:26:04
April 2022 – 4:22:18
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/andrea-mccollem-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc-52616/#timeline
Cam Hoyt
OCCUPATION:
Education
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I want to run for Team Hoyt to truly understand why my grandfather did what he did for my uncle. I have always been in amazement of the true athleticism it takes to complete a marathon let alone how many my grandfather was able to complete. I think that this will definitely be one of the hardest things I have done in my life, but I know that my grandfather will be watching over saying "yes you can".
RACES COMPLETED:
First Marathon
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/cameron-robert-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Kate Hehn
OCCUPATION:
Registered Nurse
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Running for Team Hoyt last year was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I truly cannot imagine running for another charity. I am so proud and lucky to represent Rick and Dick and the entire family, and also raise money to help people with disabilities. Seeing the amazing things The Hoyt Foundation was able to do with the money we raised last year was incredible. Donating money to Y and donating a handicap van to a family in need made me realize that the fundraising we do genuinely helps people. Also, Team Hoyt showed up for almost every Saturday run and truly forged a bond through our marathon training, one that I like the think Dick would have been proud of. It meant so much to carry on the Team Hoyt legacy, and I am proud to do it again.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon 2022. Time of 4:35
Chicago Marathon 2021 time of 4:51
Vermont City Marathon 2022 time of 4:41
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/kathleen-hehn-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc-52345/#timeline
Michelle Nolen Senner
OCCUPATION:
Truly Nolen of America, Inc.
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I run with Team Hoyt Arizona pushing my ten year old son Luke in 5K to half marathon races. I also push other athletes at races. Luke loves races and they bring him (and me) great joy - he graced the cover of Southern Arizona Roadrunners quarterly magazine when we were the first to participate in a cross-country race - our "Yes You Can!" spirit is palpable. We work tirelessly to normalize inclusion in life and through sport; our work is not over. We love meeting other families like ours in other Team Hoyt chapters (as well as recruiting other families). I believe we can elevate our passion by running Boston, like Rick and Dick before us.
RACES COMPLETED:
Rocket City Virtual Marathon (December 2020) in 5:14
Revel Mt. Lemmon (February 2021) in 4:44
Boston Virtual Marathon (October 2021) in 5:13
Tucson Marathon (December 4, 2021) in 5:04
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/michelle-nolen-senner-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Patrick Mangan
OCCUPATION:
Dentist
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Team Hoyt's motto of "Yes You Can" is inspiring because it does not allow the limitations of the present be a hinderance from accomplishing the extraordinary. As an IronMan 140.6, I am beyond in awe of Rick and Dick's ability to complete several races including Kona. My sister-in-law was an engineer at Tufts and the Hope Machine is a source of wonder. My wife is supportive of me applying for this endeavor. She is a speech therapist for children at Perkins School for the Blind. She helps children use AAC devices to communicate.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston marathon
2022: 3:15:56
2018: 3:09:56
2019 Martha's Vineyard Marathon 3:02:48
2019 Chicagoland Marathon 2:59:08
2013 Indianapolis Marathon 3:04:19.0
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/patrick-mangan-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Troy Hoyt
OCCUPATION:
Heavy equipment operator
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I want to run for team Hoyt because this is the ten-year anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon. My grandfather and uncle were planning to have 2013 be their last Boston after the bombing they came back for one more to show the world “Yes You Can”. I am running to honor the original Team Hoyt, the “Yes You Can” spirit, and everyone who was affected by the events of 2013.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon 2021 – 3:57
Boston Marathon 2022 – 4:15
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/troy-hoyt-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc-52302/#timeline
Troy Thibodeau
OCCUPATION:
Assistant Coach - Men's Hockey
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I remember as a kid watching a feature on ESPN about Team Hoyt and I always remembered how it made me feel and how inspirational it was to see Dick and Rick run together. And then to see them win the Jimmy V award at the ESPYS was incredible and I was a forever fan from afar. I competed in triathlons a few years back including a 1/2 ironman and full ironman so running is more of a recent hobby that I have picked up. Growing up in Danvers, MA running the Boston Marathon was always a goal of mine and to get onto Team Hoyt to run in my home city is a tremendous honor.
RACES COMPLETED:
Ironman Lake Placid in July 2018
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/troy-thibodeau-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Lyndsay Kuder
OCCUPATION:
Mental Health Counselor
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Team Hoyt has always been an inspiring duo. Watching my husband, Nate run for Team Hoyt this past spring made it very clear that not only did I want to run a marathon, but I wanted to run for your team, for the mission of the Hoyt Foundation. My father is a retired recreation director and my mother a retired health and PE teacher so being active, pushing yourself, being part of team was foundational in my life. My parents also taught inclusivity and made sure their programs and classrooms were supportive, adaptive, and inclusive. These lessons and examples formed habits and passions both personally and professionally.
RACES COMPLETED:
Cape Cod Half Marathon
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/a/lyndsrunsboston/
Patrick Ginn
OCCUPATION:
CEO Ginn Group
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I have the desire to run in this marathon and run for charity that aligns with my passions and this organization definitely does.
I have and currently support the NW Association for Blind Athletes which gives our visually impaired/blind youth an opportunity to participate in sports and physical activity. Like the NWABA, the Hoyt Foundation gives the disabled an opportunity to be included and that anything is possible which makes such a difference in their everyday lives.
RACES COMPLETED:
Portland, OR (October 2011)
Vancouver, WA (June 2014)
Portland, OR (October 2014)
Havana, Cuba (November 2014)
Dubrovnik, Croatia (May 2015)
Lisbon Portugal (October 2017)
All of the race times were similar, but the Vancouver, WA Marathon was my best time: Finished 84 overall with 3 hours and 27 minute time (7:53 per mile)
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/patrick-ginn-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Julie Sisson
OCCUPATION:
Physician Assistant
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
After having my second daughter in May 2020 and learning of her low muscle tone diagnosis at 9 months old we were thrown into the world of doctors appointments, testing, therapy appointments and the constant wondering what the future will look like. We have both grown so much since that time and I have learned to be her biggest advocate and celebrate every milestone and accomplishment instead of comparing her to others. I would like to honor this journey by running for a team that celebrates inclusion and empowerment of all children in the community.
RACES COMPLETED:
Several half marathons
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/julie-sisson-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
The Team Hoyt Duo
Michael DiDonato & Kyle Broduer
OCCUPATION:
Southbridge Tool & Mfg.
Team Hoyt Racing Chairs
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
We are going to help spread the message of Yes You Can. Kyle and Mike are friends with the Hoyt family. Mike makes and repairs the Team Hoyt Racing Chairs that allow duos to compete across America and around the world.
RACES COMPLETED:
We ran the Green River Marathon 08/28/2022 in a time of 5:41
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/michael-didonato-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Mariel Freve
OCCUPATION:
Chief Accounting Officer- Sensata Technologies
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I want to run for the Team Hoyt because I believe it is a charity that represents underrepresented youth, in particular with disabilities. I believe that sport is an area that can help highlight and give confidence to this underrepresented group, with the right resourcing which is typically not available to all families on top of the additional medical and support expenses they might face. One member of our team in particular has a strong tie to this belief, having a functional autistic daughter that became highly functional through sport (played football in her high school team) and coaching, recognizing that he had means to support that development that other disabled youth did not.
RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon.
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/mariel-freve-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Justin Colson
OCCUPATION:
General Manager- Sensata Technologies
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I have watched the team of Rick and Dick Hoyt run the marathon for many years, and have always been a big supporter of the cause. Seeing the two pass by in a race has always been the highlight.
I have always known about the family, but didn't know there was a formal team/org that raced. This came to my attention through listening to a talk by Dave McGillivray, who inspired 4 people at my company to want to sing up and support.
RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon.
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/justin-colson-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Juan Picon
OCCUPATION:
Company Executive - Sensata Technologies
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I want to run for the Team Hoyt because I believe in the mission to support people with disabilities. Furthermore, I also learned that the Team Hoyt has signed a partnership with the Doug Flutie Jr Foundation to support kids with Autism. We know how hard it is to have a kid with disabilities. Our daughter Sofia was born with a cleft pallet, hearing loss, and was diagnosed with autism late in life when she was 14 years old. She is high functioning autistic, and we gave her all the necessary support to overcome the learning and social challenges in high school. After a lot of emotional suffering and hard work, we are very proud to say that Sofia graduated high school with honors, and she is now a freshman in college at the Cleveland Institute of Art, pursuing a degree in medical illustration. We were very fortunate to be able to support our daughter emotionally and financially over the years. However, not everyone is as fortunate as we are. So, for this reason, I would love to raise money for your foundation with this marathon, so you can keep helping other boys and girls like our lovely and beautiful Sofia.
RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon.
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/juan-picon-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Dimitris Kalofonos
OCCUPATION:
VP of Technology - Sensata Technologies
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I want to run for Team Hoyt because I want to help children with disabilities. Among other reasons, I want to show my solidarity to a colleague who has a daughter who has Autism and I know that Team Hoyt is partnering with the Flutie Foundation. I want to support Team Hoyt because I believe the Foundation makes a difference in children's' lives.
RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon.
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/dimitrios-kalofonos-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Team Hoyt Duo
Brian & Danny Connolly
OCCUPATION:
Master Electrician
Owner of Parleys Electric Inc.
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
We are inspired and want to keep inspiring others, Danny and Brian have run in 6 marathons to date, and planning on many more.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon 2012 - 3:25
Boston Marathon 2014 - 2:58
Boston Marathon 2018 - 3:32
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/danny-connolly-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Tom Evans
OCCUPATION:
Engineer
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
This charity it aligned with my views to help the community. I have been hearing about the Hoyt family since I was young and their story has always inspired me as an athlete. It would be an honor to run in their name! Being selected to the team would help me achieve a lifelong goal and open the door for training support. If I am selected, I expect to make lasting relationships with other likeminded teammates. Thank you for your consideration.
RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first Boston
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/thomas-evans-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Linda Arian
OCCUPATION:
Director of Support Services (Social Worker)
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Perseverance and love. As a social worker I am told daily that someone cannot have a normal life - and time and time again I find that through lending hope, inspiration and selfless acts everyone deserves and can have a chance at a having a normal life - having something that makes them feel connected and whole again.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon 2020
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/activist/383430/projects/56695/#timeline?fbclid=PAAaYA13ZjSpxV0vZqi_HUSVWTCHVu_AO5UKCelkBFIF6NJY34iLUNsuK4ZVE
Michael Eisenstadt
OCCUPATION:
Health Club Owner
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I first learned of team Hoyt through watching Dick Hoyt when I was a kid. Obviously incredibly inspiring! During my first Boston marathon Dick and Rick passed me and was amazed.
Recently about 4years ago the team was at a 5k in Needham for the Charles River Center and it touched me.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon
Chicago Marathon
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/mike-eisenstadt-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Summer Eisenstadt
OCCUPATION:
Student – U Mass Amherst
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I watched my dad run the Boston Marathon before and we always would be inspired by the Hoyts. We always went crazy when they went by.
RACES COMPLETED:
This will be my first marathon
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/mike-eisenstadt-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Ryan Hoyt
OCCUPATION: Student – U Mass Lowell
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Ever since I was little, seeing my grandfather and uncle run in all their races over the years has always been the most inspirational thing I’ve ever had the privilege to witness. Even seeing my brother Troy step up after the passing of my grandfather meant the world to me to know he wants to keep spreading the positive impacts this charity has to offer to so many families that need the help. They mean so much not just to the Hoyt family but to everyone all over the world. They’ve always inspired me to push forward in doing anything in life. Especially since I had my catastrophic knee injury when I was 16 years old and I was told I wouldn’t be able to move the same ever again. The famous motto Yes you can always lifted me up in the times I needed it to.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon 2022 5:08
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/ryan-hoyt-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc-57724/#timeline
Meredith Hamsher
OCCUPATION: Attorney
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I first learned about Team Hoyt when I was training for my first Ironman in 2010. I was in tears watching Dick pushing Rick the distance I wasn’t sure I could cover on my own. It was such an inspiration. Over the years, I have followed them and their family through media and events. It would be an honor to help support their legacies and their mission to help people with disabilities thrive in the world.
RACES COMPLETED:
2019 Big Sur 5:15:47
2014 NYC 4:45:48
2014 Edinburgh 4:32:42
2013 NYC 4:24:38
2011 Nike Women’s marathon 5:07:11
2010 NYC 5:10:22
2009 Marine Corps 5:30:50
2009 Chicago 4:20:18
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/meredith-hamsher-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Alicia Tippett
OCCUPATION: Director of HR
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
I live in Tulsa and we have a group called Ainsley’s Angels that pushes disabled individuals in races. I find them so inspiring and love that I am now able to support The Hoyt Foundation an organization that helps in a similar fashion.
RACES COMPLETED:
11 full marathons. PR is 4:11
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/alicia-tippett-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc/#timeline
Andrea McCollem
OCCUPATION:
Paraprofessional Melrose Public Schools
RUNNING FOR TEAM HOYT BECAUSE:
Team Hoyt has the most inspiring message for not only disabled youth but for individuals of all abilities and ages – “Yes you can”. This is a phrase that I have begun to use almost every day with my children, the students I work with, and even friends and family that need an extra boost of confidence.
I believe so strongly in inclusion and the mission of Team Hoyt to build character, confidence, self-esteem, and equal opportunity for America’s disabled youth.
RACES COMPLETED:
Boston Marathon
October 2021 – 4:26:04
April 2022 – 4:22:18
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/andrea-mccollem-raising-funds-for-the-hoyt-foundation-inc-52616/#timeline
