E. Providence Man Running 2021 Boston Marathon For Rett Syndrome

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — East Providence resident Maurice Lowman will run the 125th Boston Marathon on a 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Boston to benefit research and awareness efforts for Rett Syndrome. And he's doing the run Monday while wearing a full suit, blazer and dress pants to stand out for the cause even more.

It just so happens October in Rett Syndrome Awareness month too, so Lowman will run to benefit the Rett Syndrome Association of Massachusetts. 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.

The disease 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.

Lowman, who ran the marathon in 2017 and 2018, learned about the charity through his coach Lauri Mitchener, who has been with Team Rett since 2011.

"She's someone I look up to as far as gaining maturity and wisdom," Lowman said. "Even though she qualifies each year, she chooses Rett every year. I do a lot of talking about myself and my own running journey, so to have the opportunity to do something I love and help Rett Syndrome, this community means so much more than that."

And while getting involved in the community, Lowman met Tracy Freeman, a Stoughton woman who lost her 7-year-old son to the disease in March. Lowman will have a picture of Aidan pinned to his suit while he runs. 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."

The running suit

Lowman running in a full suit is sure to draw some attention, but it wasn't something he originally planned.

He said he saw an ad from Ministry for Supply out of Boston. The suit's ad said you can run a marathon in it if you had to.

So far, Lowman has yet to run in it, but he said he's done some squats and other workouts in the suit.

"I think I'll be sweating a lot, but I'm not worried about it," Lowman said. "I'm going out to show everybody how grateful I am to be a part of the charity team."

For more information on Rett Syndrome and to donate to Lowman's cause, visit the website for the Rett Syndrome Association of Massachusetts.