Mitchener Runs Boston Marathon for Team Rett

North Reading resident Lori Mitchener is running the Boston Marathon again this year to raise money for the Rett Syndrome Association of Massachusetts (RSAM). She runs for Ava and Juliana Tempesta, who have Rett syndrome, and in honor of their father Eric, who passed away last year. 

Mitchener is a seasoned "marathoner" and runs three or four marathons every year, she said. 

"In 2012, I ran marathons in Boston; Sugarloaf, ME; and Philadelphia, PA. I finished in the top 20 this year at the Hyannis Marathon in late February," she said.

She has participated in the Boston Marathon for the last three years to raise money and awareness for Rett Syndrome.

"Two North Reading girls, Ava and Juliana Tempesta, have this devastating disease. The Boston Marathon is a great platform for runners to give back. Running can be selfish at times, with the long runs, the recovery time, the scheduling life around training cycle; and this world class marathon is a great way to give back and remind us how much good running can do," she told Patch. "I will always run the Boston Marathon in honor of Ava and Juliana, and I will out run Rett."

Her training tip to offer other runners: Just keep moving forward.

If you would like to help, click here to donate. 

Are you running in the Boston Marathon this year? Share your story here.