Neighbor News
Avon Couple Running Half Marathon in Son’s Honor
Michael and Haleigh Guerrera were training for their first marathon when tragedy struck their family
The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has chosen 12 people to represent the 2022
Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. Highlighted for their
strength and resilience in the face of adversity, the twelve members of the team are joined by the
collective of Eversource employees who volunteer at the event, empowering thousands to cross
the finish line on race day, October 8, 2022.
Michael and Haleigh Guerrera were training for their first marathon when tragedy struck their
family. At 23 weeks pregnant, Haleigh started having complications and was hospitalized.
At his wife’s urging, Michael finished his first marathon one week later. He ran with tears in his
eyes, and his wife and unborn son on his mind, each of those 26.2 miles.
On June 9, 2022, their son, Rory Michael Guerrera, was born at 27 weeks weighing just one
pound six ounces. During the six days of his life at Connecticut Children's Medical Center NICU, Rory showed his parents his strength to survive. While they are both devastated by the loss of their son, they are also motivated by him and they say his fight to survive keeps them pushing forward every day.
Now 5 months later, they are running the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon in their
late son Rory’s honor.
“The Inspiration Team is a beloved tradition that brings a small sampling of some amazing participant stories to light. It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight people that have dedicated time and efforts to power through challenges; they inspire us to do our best to celebrate their achievements and all of those who cross the finish line on race day,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “We are also so excited to celebrate the volunteers at Eversource who have come out for years to make race day a great experience for all involved, encouraging participants with smiles, cheers and incredible support.”
Joining Michael and Haleigh Guerrera on the 2022 Inspiration Team are: David Buono of Unionville, Megan Christensen of Windsor, Neil Connery of Derby, Kathy Flaherty of Newington, Samara Johnson of Lebanon, James Joyce, Team Mason of Bristol, Malcolm Little of Hartford, Michael Lo Presti of Norfolk, Racquel Lunser of West Hartford, and Delmace Mayo of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
The inspiration team concept was developed by HMF in 2011 and the purpose behind it motivated the creation of the new Who Powers You campaign of the Eversource Hartford Marathon. The appreciation campaign allows all race participants a chance to submit the name of someone who inspires them to cross the finish line in Hartford on October 8, with recognition on the course and throughout Bushnell Park for the person who powers them. The campaign kicks off September 12 and is open through October 7 for submissions.
Learn more about the Eversource Hartford Marathon events, register now or sign up to volunteer at www.hartfordmarathon.com.
