Boston Marathon Runner Going Extra Mile for Timmy

Gary Dionne of Amherst knows he is not as fast as the other runners, but he is just as happy as they are to be in this year’s Boston Marathon.

He has hit “The Big 60” this year and has decided to cross running a marathon off of his bucket list. Not only that, but he has also pledged to raise money for the Boston Children’s Hospital while doing it.

The inspiration came from his daughter Kelli, who had run for the hospital in 2011. This spirited gentleman has kept active over the years, but running was never part of it. The realization that not all the marathon runners are experts gave him the confidence to try it out.

“A lot of people running were not in the best of shape,” he said. “I thought ‘if they could do it, I could do it as well.’”

He signed up and started training with other runners for the children’s hospital each week. His running improved bit by bit, and he even lost 25 pounds and improved his health in the process. The best part for this runner is not the health benefits or accomplishment, but helping our a child in need.

Dionne’s patient partner this year is young Timmy, who has Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. This condition causes multiple joint contractures present at birth, and requires ongoing treatments and surgeries.

Young Timmy was a great source of inspiration for this local runner. Dionne said that this four-year-old was a powerful example for anyone fighting illness, and his strength shows even with the limitations.

Dionne has raised $5,785 for the hospital so far, which will help care for children like Timmy.

Family members will be there to support him as he joins over 26,000 other runners on Monday. His youngest daughter even postponed her honeymoon to cheer her dad as he travels the 26.2 mile course.

He will be joined by runners or all ages and experience levels, but Dionne is just happy to be completing another dream. The idea of aging doesn’t seem to bother him as he continues to believe in continuing a young spirit and attitude.

For example, the last item recently checked off the his bucket list was getting his private pilot's license. Between that and training for a marathon, he doesn’t know which one has been harder to achieve.

You can find out more about Gary Dionne and Timmy on their fundraising page at MilesforMiracles.org.