Former Windham Residents To Rewrite Their Marathon Story

Press release from Susan Marsh:

Ten years ago on April 15, 2013 at 2:49 PM two bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon changing lives forever. This was my third Boston Marathon, the first that my boys were attending. They watched me train for months and supported me as I raised money for The McCourt Foundation. A foundation that raises money for families and people affected by neurological diseases such as MS, Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s. It was supposed to be a jubilant day. At 45 I was feeling surprisingly good. I was approaching mile 25 with joy in my heart as I was nearing the finish line where my family was waiting for me.

I was surprised when I was stopped by a uniformed police officer and told I would not be able to finish the marathon. I was confused and upset I couldn’t imagine why. It wasn’t long before I realized the gravity of what was happening. I dropped to my knees and began to pray as I gazed up and noticed the sky filling with smoke. My parents, sister, and sons PJ (12) Sam (11) and Charlie (9) were on those bleachers on Boylston Street because of me. I struggled with the officer trying to push my way towards Boylston Street. There was no way I wasn’t heading in that direction. I made so many promises in those moments. To give back, to be the best mom, wife, daughter and friend I could be. I wanted to trade places with them so badly…I cried, I prayed, I walked. I got as close as I could to the finish line and was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who offered me the clothes off of their backs as they saw me shiver. They offered food, money, cell phones whatever they had they were willing to give. In the face of pure evil human kindness prevailed. It would be many hours and six more miles of walking through the streets of Boston before I would be joyfully reunited with my family. I wrote the address of where they were waiting for me in South Boston with the lipstick I had.

My prayers were answered. Not a day goes by I don’t think about those who had a different outcome.

The Windham Community was quick to wrap their loving arms around us. Teachers, coaches, friends….we will never forget.

It is with great joy and gratitude that PJ and I announce that we are raising money for the same charity 10 years later. Together we can accomplish hard things. Together We Can Do This. Together We Will. Together with your support we are #MARSHSTRONG. Thank You!

This press release was produced by Susan Marsh. The views expressed here are the author's own.