E. Providence's Boston Marathon Finisher Runs For Rett Syndrome

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — East Providence had one runner in Monday's Boston Marathon, and he finished, all while running for a good cause.

Maurice Lowman, 42, finished with a time of 4 hours, 27 minutes and 58 seconds, while raising money for the Rett Syndrome Association of Massachusetts. He ran that time, while wearing a blazer and dress pants, to draw more attention to the cause.

"The magic of yesterday far outweighs any finish time on paper," Lowman said. "I knew the suit was going to make it tough, but that was part of the magic. It got a ton of positive feedback with people."

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic disease, which causes people to lose bone density, leading to loss of motor skills, speech, and in some cases loss of the ability to eat and breathe without assistance. Rett Syndrome can also cause seizures.

Lowman, who ran for the charity in previous Boston Marathons, had his best fundraising year yet. He raised $7,152, and his employer, Kia, of Attleboro is going to match it, he said.

Rett Syndrome normally affects girls. Male cases are much rarer, but more deadly because of how the disease affects boys' chromosomes. There's no known cure, and most boys diagnosed with the disease don't survive past their first year of life.

Tracy Freeman, of Stoughton, lost her 7-year-old son to the disease in March. Lowman had a picture of Aidan pinned to his suit while he ran. Freeman, a marathon runner herself, said she's inspired by Lowman's positivity and joyed to have him as a member of Team Rett.

"It's overwhelming his dedication to the cause and to raise awareness for males with Rett," Freeman said. "Wearing Aidan's picture melts my heart. I miss my son every day, but knowing he is still making an impact is what keeps our family going."