The Hoyt Foundation November Newsletter |
From the Office of the President |
November is the month where we like to give THANKS by sharing things we are thankful for.
We are thankful that things are going swimmingly for the The Hoyt Foundation. Rick always loved to swim and next to running it was one of the times he felt most free of his disability.
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The foundation is thankful for the many donations we have received, funds raised through our charity
teams participating in: - The Boston Marathon
- The Falmouth Road Race
- And this month our first ever time having a team participating in the TCS New York City Marathon.
We are thankful to our NYC Runners: |
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Top Row Left to Right: Kelly Ashton, Brianna Hall, Tyler Young Bottom Row Left to Right: Jay Poskit, Scott Graham Not pictured: Richard Picardo
This incredible group of runners raised over $30,000 to allow us to continue our mission of supporting inclusion for individuals with disabilities. In fact, check out the article about our YES YOU CAN Grants to see how we helped Brady learn to swim by being included in a swim class side by side with his non-disabled peers. |
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The Dick and Judy Hoyt YES YOU CAN Inclusion Grant Update |
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The Hoyt Foundation provided a grant to arrange for the assistance needed for Brady to have the individualized support to learn to swim side by side with his non-disabled peers.
"The summer went great! Brady loved going to swim lessons each day and really connected with his swimming classmates and swim teachers. By the end of the summer, he could jump into the deep end and safely swim to the edge. Being able to do this was a great way to connect with other kids outside of lesson time, and play jumping games (with kids from his class as well as others). Another bonus was that the grant served to begin a conversation around the pool community values and the desire for the pool to be an inclusive place. So, thank you so much from the Walter family!"
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| Becca Pizzi is amazing! She has: -
Completed and holds the world record for the World Marathon Challenge (that’s 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 different continents),
- Completed a marathon in all 50 states and just a month ago,
- Completed her first Ironman Triathlon.
Wow! But what is even more amazing than her accomplishments is the truly great person she is. Upon returning from Kona, Hawaii after she completed the Ironman she immediately thought of the needs of others. Becca reached out to Russ Hoyt, the Hoyt Foundation president and asked if there was a chair that could be used so a young man could push his father suffering form ALS in a race in Belmont. Russ worked with Mike DiDonato of Hoyt Racing Chairs and he provided a chair. The chair allowed Elias to push his father Mike in the Belmont FBE Apple Run.
Here’s a note from the family:
“Elias and Mike had a great run, especially for a first-time wheelchair run. Mike enjoyed the practice we did on the track and was invigorated by today's race. Elias is already scheming longer runs he can assist Mike (or others) with. He wants to go faster! Thank you so much for making this happen for us. Running has been a large part of our lives and I know just being in the race atmosphere was a boost for Mike. We both have learned from experience that runners are the nicest people!”
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Team Hoyt Ambassador Danielle Kizelnik pictured here at the Atlantic City Marathon. |
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Rick Hoyt Honored at
Wheelock Alumni Ceremony |
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On Thursday September 21, 2023 the Hoyt Foundation President & CEO Russ Hoyt was given the great honor of accepting an Alumni Award from Boston University (specifically the Wheelock College of Education) presented to Rick for his outstanding advocacy and commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. If you weren't able to tune in to the live steam, you can watch the award ceremony below! |
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Heart Attack Survivor Runs 5K, Writes Book |
Russ Hoyt has written a foreword for the recently released book, From the Sidelines to the Finish Line.
Author, Emily Falcon had a heart attack at seven weeks old and lived a limited life. In 2017, at age 35, she had a second open-heart surgery and went from being unable to run more than a few yards to completing a 5K race merely 8 months later. She was no longer stuck on the sidelines. Drawing from her extensive life experiences, Falcon recounts how she found a way to surmount obstacles that people who live with incurable medical conditions and their supporters might face.
Falcon makes the Hoyt mission a reality. Her motto “Just Try” and ours, “Yes You Can” shine throughout this book. Falcon tells a stranger, “If I can do it, you can too!” She participates in challenges even when they seem insurmountable. Her story enables readers to realize their own potential. Her obstacles and triumphs are relatable to anyone who has faced and wants to overcome hardships. The advice she gives will make you want to get out there and participate!
Falcon’s book was released on November 7, 2023 and is available as an audiobook, paperback or eBook. It will be available at all major retailers. More information on how to purchase can be found at the link below. |
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