The Hoyt Foundation March Newsletter |
From the Office of the President |
|
|
International Women’s Day.
If you have read my Office of the President articles from past years in March, you’ll know that March 8th is my mom Judy Hoyt’s birthday. But did you know that March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD).
IWD is a specific day dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide. Marked by millions of people on March 8, IWD celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. IWD provides an important platform to engage with communities, reflect on progress, and commit to positive action. Participation in IWD ensures progress toward equality remains on the global agenda and positive action prevails. IWD has a long and powerful history of collective action, with many groups, countries, and bodies having actively contributed to its evolution. Today, IWD is a highly visible worldwide occurrence with significant mainstream awareness, marked by groups worldwide in a wide variety of ways.
The Theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is #AccelerateAction.
The Hoyt Foundation makes efforts to join other impactful organizations and groups across the world as they deliver an array of effective strategies, resources, and activity that help #AccelerateAction in many areas including: - forging women's economic empowerment
-
recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent
- supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
- designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
-
helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
- involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
- providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
-
elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport
- promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
- addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls
|
|
|
Team Hoyt & The Hoyt Foundation presenting the Dick & Rick Hoyt Award to Black Girls Run
Judy Hoyt always soared with her Eagle spirit and taught me just how amazing women everywhere are. |
|
|
Happy birthday Mom and thanks for the valuable lesson! |
|
|
Team Hoyt Memorial Yes You Can Run Together |
|
|
In honor of International Women’s Day, we have a race registration special for the month of March – Register in the month of March and receive $8 off. Use code: March8 |
|
|
If you want to be sure you will get a shirt, register early as they are limited to the first 300 runners and walkers. |
|
|
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day - March 25 |
|
|
Thursday March 25, 2025 in National Cerebral Palsy (CP) awareness day, please wear GREEN if you know or love someone with CP. |
|
|
YMCA Inspiration Awards and Marathon Community Breakfast |
|
|
There is still room to join the Hoyt Foundation to support Tim Kilduff and Brendan Aylward & Jacob Wyman who are being honored with the 2025 Inspiration Award at the Metrowest YMCA’s Marathon Community Breakfast. This is an amazing event, please join us to help celebrate these amazing community activists and athletes who give of themselves to inspire others. 2025 Marathon Community Breakfast Registration Join us on March 14, 7-9AM at the Sheraton in Framingham for a morning of inspiration and impact.
|
|
|
The Falmouth Road Race 2025 |
|
|
Have you ever thought I want to represent Team Hoyt but I am just not ready to run a marathon? Do you love Cape Cod in the summer? Well, you are in luck. We have a charity team in the Falmouth Road Race. Team Hoyt is the official sponsor of the Duo Division of the Falmouth Road Race. You can run for us a charity runner as a Duo or as an individual runner. However you run or roll, we'd love to have you as part of Team Hoyt!
|
|
|
Please join Team Hoyt runners from the 2024 and 2025 Boston Marathon team at the Empowerment Celebration at Easterseals Massachusetts signature event that honors leaders who have positively impacted the disability community, ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities. |
|
|
Join us for an unforgettable evening! The stunning Boston skyline meets the forefront of technology at the Microsoft NERD Center, where we will celebrate the achievements of local disability leaders, savor world-class bites and beverages, and support statewide disability programs through a silent auction and exciting live fundraiser. Your attendance at our biggest annual fundraiser supports life-changing programs that unlock the full potential of individuals with disabilities.
Special feature: We are excited to unveil our Assistive Technology Timeline – a showcase of history that will inspire you and spark the question, “What’s next?” |
|
|
Twenty-four members of the Team Hoyt charity team are getting ready to complete the 2025 Boston Marathon. To meet the entire team please see the “Meet the Team” article in this edition of the newsletter. Our Runners are out there for long runs almost every Saturday along the marathon course. On Saturday February 15th Team Hoyt provided an Aide Station with water, electrolyte drinks, snacks and our most popular item - tissues. We saw Susan Hurley, Nate & Lyndsay Kuder (runners from past years with the Team Hoyt mascot Rey) and on this year’s team we saw Isabelle Fournier.
|
|
|
In addition to running, our runners are hard at work raising funds. On Friday February 21st Joseph “JJ” Lavoie put on an amazing fundraiser at the Irish American Club in Malden. |
|
|
JJ and his family threw a great party with over 40 raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle that brought in a big portion of the money he needs to raise. Please check out JJ, Isabelle and all of our runners and their inspiring stories in the “Meet the Team” article in this edition of the newsletter. |
|
|
Meet the Boston Marathon Team! |
|
|
Meet the 2025 Boston Marathon Charity Team. This amazing team is running the 2025 Boston Marathon as part of Team Hoyt and has raised over $130,000 for the Hoyt Foundation. These funds will allow us to continue our mission of inclusion for individuals with disabilities. We would love to see this team push over the $200,00 mark. Can you help make that happen? YES YOU CAN. Please find a runner read their reason for running for Team Hoyt and if you can please help them to move past their
fundraising goal. |
|
|
| Brendan Aylward & Jacob Wyman
Honorary Team Hoyt Duo Occupation: Owner and Founder of AdaptX & The Rick Hoyt Research Lab
Running for Team Hoyt Because:
We are Brendan and Jacob, and we're honored to accept the Team Hoyt Honorary duo bib for the 2025 Boston Marathon. Jacob and I started running together in 2016 and have completed nearly 100 races together since. Rick and Dick Hoyt greatly influenced my career. Their mission to break barriers and create opportunities for people with disabilities to meaningfully participate in their community and in competition is something that we've tried to emulate.
Races Competed: Boston Marathon 2024 (pictured)
Support Brendan & Jacob! |
|
|
Beth & Liza James Duo Team
Occupation: Self Employed Running for Team Hoyt Because:
Dick Hoyt's love for his son touched Beth's heart. Team Liza is the only mother daughter team to try and finish the Ironman World Championship in Kona,HI. This was all because of Dick and Rick Hoyt! Races Competed:
Many marathons and triathlons Boston Marathon: 2000 - 4:00 2015 - 4:15 |
| |
|
|
Adam Hurst Occupation: Risk Analyst Running for Team Hoyt Because:
Prior charity runner for Team Hoyt 2013 and 2014. Great experience to support Team Hoyt mission, raise awareness and be part of team of other runners who also had amazing stories of resilience and purpose. *This year Adam has qualified for Boston and is returning to run for Team Hoyt as a qualified runner bringing his own bib.
Races Competed: Total 19 marathons and ultras. Best time 3:10:55 Boston Marathon Twice: 2013 3:42 2014 3:35
Support Adam! |
|
|
Alexandra Burr
Occupation: Consultant Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I've been following the Team Hoyt story for a few years now after my friend told me about the organization. It's an amazing feat of determination and perseverance that supports a cause I'd be honored to represent for my first marathon. Races Competed: First Boston & first marathon Support Alexandra! |
| |
|
|
Bill Bierman
Occupation: SMW Medical Billing Services Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I volunteer with an organization that helps to support disabled runners, athletes, and hand cyclists. I also raised funds for a charity that provides equipment and accessories to people with disabilities.
Races Competed: Jersey City Marathon, 2023 6 hrs 15 mins Lisbon Marathon, 2023 6 hrs 15 mins Paris Marathon, 2023 5 hrs 45 mins Marine Corp. Wash DC, 2022 6 hrs 20 mins Support Bill! |
|
| Caitlin Brincklow Occupation: Risk Analyst Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I was recently speaking to Becca Pizzi about how motivated I was to get into this upcoming Boston Marathon and she told me about Team Hoyt. As a longtime spectator of the marathon, I was already familiar with their inspiring story. I knew I wanted my first marathon experience to be with a charity team, as it would enhance my motivation and add deeper meaning to my run. I took a deeper look into Team Hoyt’s mission and work that they do. With both of my parents being special education teachers, I felt an immediate connection to their message. Their dedication to promoting inclusion and empowerment resonated with me, reminding me of the values I grew up with. Joining this team not only felt like a personal commitment but also a way to honor my parents' work and contribute to a cause that truly matters.
Races Competed: First Boston & first marathon
Support Caitlin! |
| |
|
| Carmen Bonilla Occupation:
Pre-Doctoral Director of Endodontics Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I've been following the Team Hoyt story for a few years now after my friend told me about the organization. It's an amazing feat of determination and perseverance that supports a cause I'd be honored to represent for my first marathon. Races Competed: Grandma's Marathon 2022 3:55 New York Marathon 2016 4:12 New York Marathon 2017 4:56
Fort Lauderdale marathon 2017 4:16 New York Marathon 2022 4:23 Chicago Marathon. 2017 4:18
Chicago Marathon 2019 4:47 London Marathon 2022 4:06 Berlin marathon 2022 4:12 Tokyo Marathon 2024 4:15
Palm Beach 2023 4:50 Big Cotton Marathon 2023 4:18
Support Carmen! |
| |
Cheryll Ku
Occupation: Healthcare Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I’ve been inspired by Team Hoyt through Dick and Rick’s embodiment of resilience, determination and power of the human spirit. Seeing them compete and complete the Ironman Championships defies conventional limits and demonstrates that everyone deserves to participate and be included. It was an honor to be able to meet them while in Kona for the Ironman championship and their determination and perseverance have inspired me to complete two Ironman races myself.
Races Competed: Ironman Arizona marathon: 5:06:05 Ironman Wisconsin marathon: 4:30:59 LA Marathon: 5:24:42 NY Marathon: 5:10:17 Chicago Marathon:4:35:38
Berlin Marathon:4:32:05 Support Cheryll! |
| |
|
|
David Hawk Occupation: Hawk Investments Running for Team Hoyt Because: I am running for Team Hoyt because I believe in their mission and I am driven to help children.
Races Competed: Chicago 2019 New York 2021 Chicago 2022
Vancouver 2023 New York 2023 DC 2024
Support David! |
|
| David Saltman
Occupation: LeasePilot – CEO Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I am deeply moved by Team Hoyt and your mission to build character, self-confidence and self-esteem for disabled young people. After I read Devoted, which I couldn't put down, I knew that I had to participate and raise money for The Hoyt Foundation. I have given a few small donations to Team Hoyt to date and participated in the Team Hoyt Memorial this year (finished in 26th place). I also want to run for my family. To be able to have my family there to watch me run in this Boston Marathon would be the greatest gift I could ever hope for! I want very badly to participate in this marathon and to raise funds for Team Hoyt to help spread the word about Team Hoyt and to play my part in furthering this mission.
Races Competed: Martha's Vineyard Marathon in 2020 – 4:07
Support David! |
| |
|
|
Inelka Dugan Occupation: Co-Owner Dugan Disability Law Running for Team Hoyt Because:
During the process of choosing a charity to fundraise for, I knew I wanted to aim for one that drives my daily efforts to assist disabled people. In 2013 my husband and I founded Dugan Disability Law with the mission to help disabled people obtain benefits and improve their medical attention. Over the years, I have seen many of them give up on hope due to their condition and lack of help and self-purpose. However, once they experience the benefits of physical and psychological attention and interaction, they start getting a reason to go on. Now that my husband is retired and we are blessed with a comfortable life, we only take pro-bono cases and dedicate our time to legally representing and counseling disabled people who don't know how to navigate through the system and are overwhelmed by the long wait and bureaucracy of some institutions.
Races Competed: Miami – 2014: 5:16, 2015: 4:33 Fort Lauderdale 2015: 4:26 New Orleans 2016: 4:54 Marine Corps 2016: 4:49 NYC - 2015: 4:55. Second in 2022: 4:45.
Chicago 2017: 4:24 Berlin 2021, 4:47 Grandma's Marathon 2022, 4:25 London 2023, 4:21 Cottonwood, Utah 2023, 4:17 Tokyo 2024, 4:33
Support Inelka! |
|
|
Isabelle Fournier
Occupation: Sr. Revenue Operations Associate Running for Team Hoyt Because:
Team Hoyt is the number one team that I want to run for. I have always felt a very strong connection to the story of Dick and Rick Hoyt because my younger sister Annika was born with Cerebral Palsy. I know the special connection that Dick and Rick had because I experience it every single day with my sister.
She is 20 years old now and I have had the privilege of watching her grow up. She can't walk or talk but I have seen what technology has been able to help her achieve. She has a walker and a bike that she can use along with an eye gaze system that allows her to communicate with us. Each time she uses her walker, or bike, or eye gaze system I see the smile that lights up her eyes and I know she doesn't feel handicapped in these moments - the same way that Rick felt. Races Competed: First Boston & first marathon Support Isabelle! |
| |
|
|
JoanAnn Natola Occupation: Element Financial Group Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I have watched the Hoyts since their first Ironman. I am a triathlete and have done several Ironman Triathlons and always wished to do so with my brother-in-law Richard (has CP and Epilepsy (but was unable to make that happen before he passed two years ago at the age of 64. Races Competed: NYC Marathon 5:15 OC Marathon 5:13 BMW Berlin Marathon 5:15 Support JoanAnn! |
|
|
JJ Lavoie Occupation: Business Owner Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I know Cam Hoyt (our wives are cousins) and we have spoken about running the Boston Marathon. It has always been a personal goal of mine to run the Boston Marathon. Before I had ever met Cam, I was always inspired by his grandfather Dick and his uncle Rick. Through their “Yes You Can” mentality, they have been an example for countless people proving it is possible to not only achieve your goals, but help others achieve theirs along the way. The Hoyt name is synonymous with the Boston Marathon.
Races Competed: First Boston & first marathon
Support JJ! |
| |
|
| Karen Mohr
Occupation: Retired Elementary School Principal/Teacher Running for Team Hoyt Because:
As a marathon runner for the past ten years, I have had the privilege of traveling with Kelly McLay to Berlin, London, and Tokyo and would love to finish my 6-star journey contributing to the well-being of students/adults who have disabilities. As a former teacher and principal, I advocated for students with disabilities in my schools and prioritized their emotional and physical well-being by implementing programs for them and supporting their families. Whether it was a physical disability, or a mental disability, these students and families have a very special place in my heart and I am excited to raise funds to help them succeed in life.
Races Competed: I have run 25 marathons. My most prominent are listed below:
Chicago- 10-7-2018 5 hours 30 minutes New York -11-3-2019 5 hours 40 minutes Berlin - 2021 5 hours 30 minutes
London- 2022 5 hours 50 minutes Tokyo - 3-3-2024 5 hours 50 minutes 9 consecutive Los Angeles marathons- ranging from 5 and a half hours to 6 hours Support Karen! |
|
|
Lacey Lane Occupation: Human Resources Running for Team Hoyt Because:
My mother became disabled fairly young in life. She cannot walk or lift her arms. Supporting people with disabilities is something I can personally relate to and am passionate about. Races Competed:
London 2022 - 4:24 Berlin 2023 - 4:14 Tokyo 2024 - 4:09 Chicago 2024 - 4:00:17 Support Lacey! |
| |
|
| Lindsay Kalinowski Occupation: Sr. Revenue Operations Associate
Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I think the Hoyt family has an incredible story, and I still remember watching them compete in the marathon from a young age when I would watch the marathon. I'm inspired by the mission of the Hoyt Foundation and would be honored to run for the team. Races Competed:
First Boston & first marathon Support Lindsay! |
|
|
Michelle Nolen Occupation: Truly Nolen of America, Inc. Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I was blessed to meet Dick in November 2017 and my special needs son, Luke, and I began racing soon after that. Meeting Rick at the BAA 5K in 2023 was the highlight of my Boston Marathon experience. It's my goal to push Luke in Boston when he's age eligible. I am a Hoyt Foundation Ambassador and recently wore my tie-dye Hoyt singlet at the London Marathon in April 2024. Luke and I run with Team Hoyt Arizona; he will walk the "kids mile" in his gait trainer and I push him in the 5K to half marathon races. Our next race is the "A" Mountain half marathon this Sunday where we have been training to PR. (Yes... the first two miles are up a mountain! And of course WE CAN!)
Races Competed: London 2024 4:49 New York City 2023 4:39
Boston 2023 4:41 Honolulu 2022 5:43 (recovering from an injury) Tucson 2021 5:04
Boston (Covid/Virtual) 2021 Mt Lemmon 2021 4:44 Rocket City (Virtual) 2020 5:14
Support Michelle! |
| |
|
| Riley O'Sullivan Occupation: Accountant Running for Team Hoyt Because:
Running the Boston Marathon as part of Team Hoyt is a personal milestone and also a chance to contribute to the incredible work The Hoyt Foundation is doing. I am committed to training rigorously and raising awareness and funds to support this mission. I have been watching the Boston Marathon for as long as I can remember, and it has always been a dream of mine to participate. Running for a cause that provides more opportunities for individuals with disabilities is an absolute honor.
Races Competed: First Boston & first time marathon runner
Support Riley! |
| |
Troy Hoyt
Occupation: Grounds Crew Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I want to run for team Hoyt because they are the best team out there and they are able to give back and help the community. My affiliation to team Hoyt is by family! Dick is my grandfather and Rick is my uncle and they inspire every step of my run. When my grandfather could no longer push Rick in races, I had the honor of stepping behind the chair. Rick and I were always close but that experience we shared changed my reason for running. I now know the answer to every challenge is YES YOU CAN!
Races Competed: Boston Marathon 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Best Finish – 3:51 Support Troy! |
| |
|
|
Craig Josephsen Occupation: Insurance Running for Team Hoyt Because:
I am honored to have been chosen as a member of Team Hoyt 2025 in this year's Boston Marathon. I have come to know Russ thanks to Susan Hurley (thank you, Susan!). In reading about Russ, his dad, his brother, and the incredible Hoyt Family, I could not help but think of my own Dad, and how lucky we both are to have been given the gift of a great Dad, whose qualities of determination and enthusiasm we try to emulate every day. As a member of Team Hoyt 2025, I am grateful for the opportunity to be apart of "Yes You Can"
|
|
|
Team Hoyt and The Hoyt Foundation were well represented at the Run Show Boston. Our booth looked great! |
|
|
The HOYT TOSS game was a big hit and we gave away Team Hoyt YES YOU CAN Run Together T-Shirts. We also signed up runners, walkers and volunteers for the Memorial Race in May. |
|
|
Tons of old and new friends stopped by the booth. Russ was interviewed for a podcast and we sold some gear and helped folks learn about inclusion. |
|
|
Big thanks to our crew: Lisa, Russ, Troy and Amanda provided support for the whole weekend. Ryan and Amber helped on Saturday. |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
|
|
| |
