Marathon Profile: Kathryn Gabriele Runs with Perkins

The following is an announcement from Perkins about Kathryn Gabriele, who is running the Boston Marathon in 2013:

For Somerville resident Kathryn Gabriele, this year’s Boston Marathon^® is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to raise money for a cause near to her heart – Perkins, founded in 1829 as the nation’s first school for the blind.

On April 15, Gabriele will be one of six runners on the Perkins charity team who will take on the marathon’s famously hilly course with the goal of raising over $35,000 for the Watertown, Mass.-based nonprofit. Gabriele has personally committed to raising $5,000.

The Perkins team, which includes five runners from Massachusetts and one from Colorado, is the only charity team in the 117th B.A.A. Boston Marathon that focuses exclusively on helping people with visual impairments. All donations will fund Perkins’ on-campus, regional and international programs.

Gabriele decided to run the marathon for Perkins because she knows what a profound difference PerkinsSchool for the Blind in Watertown makes in the lives of children who are blind.

“One of my good friends is a Perkins employee and she has shared touching and inspiring stories about the work that happens at Perkins,” Gabriele said. “I’ve seen the difference that Perkins makes in the lives of students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to succeed. I wholeheartedly support Perkins’ cause and mission.”

Gabriele was a classroom teacher for four years, and spent time working with special needs students. She currently works for the Mass. Department of Education as a policy analyst.

“Throughout my professional career as an educator, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of exceptional people who commit themselves everyday to educating and meeting the needs of all students, both inside and outside of the classroom,” she said. “Running for Perkins is just one way I can help to further ensure that Perkins students continue to benefit from a hardworking and dedicated staff, and have the resources they need to strive in their environment.”

Gabriele ran the Cape Cod Marathon last year, but this will be her first Boston Marathon.

To support Gabriele’s marathon run and make a donation to Perkins, visit

http://www.perkins.org/supportperkins/special-events/boston-marathon/2013/kathryn-gabriele.html.