Quadriplegic Mom, A Former Runner, To See Kids Race For First Time

Running is a big part of Valerie Goldstein's life even though she can no longer run. She met her husband through running Geoffrey and also ran track and cross country for Northport High School, graduating in 2000.

During her senior year, Goldstein was a passenger in a car crash, causing her to break her neck and develop incomplete quadriplegia. "I was paralyzed for a duration, and now walk slowly with permanent crutches, after enduring years of therapy," Goldstein told Patch.

Despite not being able to run, she is encouraging her children to find a love for the sport like. She has three children: 5-year-old Gus, 3-year-old Luca and 20-month-old Aurora.

Her two oldest children will be participating in the Healthy Kids Running Series, which beings Sunday, Sept. 17 in East Northport.

"I can no longer run, but seeing my boys race will make me more proud than anything," Goldstein said. "It will definitely make up for lost races from the past! Plus, I'm thrilled that they will be running in Northport, like myself."

The Healthy Kids Running Series is held for five Sundays in September and October as a way for children, ages pre-K through eighth grade, to have fun while running.

Luca will race the 50-yard dash and Gus will run the quarter mile race, which was Goldstein's event in high school.

Older kids will run the half mile and mile. Every participant receives a medal and top three in each age group receive a trophy.

Learn more about the Healthy Kids Running Series here.

Image via Valeria Goldstein