WILMINGTON, MA — Ali Lyman, of Wilmington, will be among the thousands to run the 120th Boston Marathon in April.
While her eye will be set on the finish line for the grueling 26.2 miles, the real finish line for Lyman, who is running as part of Tedy’s Team, led by former New England Patriots linebacker and stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi, will be an end to stroke. Lyman is running this year’s marathon in honor of her grandmother, Patricia Gallant, and her friend Catie.
Stroke has impacted Lyman’s life multiple times, including her work as a pharmacist. When she was in middle school, Lyman’s grandmother suffered a stroke. Fortunately, her mother, who is a nurse, recognized that she needed help quickly and called 911. Years later, when Lyman was in high school, her good friend, Catie, suffered a stroke at just 17 years old.
“Running has gotten me through a lot of tough times,” said Lyman. “Catie was the one who got me into cross country running, so I will be running this year’s marathon for her as well as my grandmother.”
Lyman’s grandmother passed away this past October, which motivated her to apply to run the Boston Marathon with Tedy’s Team.
“My mom’s quick thinking helped save my Nana’s life and prevent some of the disabling effects that the stroke could have had on her cognitive function and physical abilities,” explained Lyman. “As a member of Tedy’s Team and a health care professional, I want to spread the message that knowledge of what stroke is, how it presents and how to prevent it, is key.”
On Feb. 15, just weeks after winning his third Super Bowl and days after playing in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Bruschi suffered a stroke at the age of 31. As he recovered, Bruschi and his wife, Heidi, dedicated themselves to raising awareness of stroke and being advocates and inspiration for stroke survivors throughout Massachusetts, New England and all over the country.
Since its inception in 2005, Tedy’s Team has raised over $3.5 million for stroke research and educational programs with the support and dedication of close to 1,000 participants. This year’s team of 40 runners is on track to raise $400,000. In addition to raising funds, Tedy’s Team continues to raise awareness of stroke and its warning signs and symptoms.
On April 18, Lyman and her teammates will be motivated by their stroke heroes as they tackle the 120th Boston Marathon. They will celebrate the passion and inspiration of Tedy’s Team, honoring both the survivors and the loved ones lost to the region’s No. 5 leading cause of death. To support Lyman’s fundraising efforts, click HERE.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Know the warning signs of stroke and teach them to others:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Call 911 immediately if experiencing these symptoms.
For information. visit strokeassociation.org/tedysteam.
(NOTE: The above press release is from Tedy’s Team.)
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