TO: EMC Hopkinton, Milford, Franklin, Westboro, Southboro, Cambridge
FROM: EMC Community Involvement OfficeWe are pleased to announce that EMC has agreed, once again, to be the corporate sponsor of The Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center for the 2000 running of the Boston Marathon.
Founded in April 1997 by Sharon Lisnow and Mary McQueeney, The Respite Center is named for Sharon's son, Michael, who was born 16 weeks premature, weighing just over a pound. As a result of his premature birth, Michael has severe cerebral palsy and was blind. Despite his many difficult challenges, Michael proved to be an incredibly courageous boy who touched the lives of countless people. After the last of seven operations and a long, gallant fight, Michael died on April 20, 1996--just six months after the groundbreaking for the Respite Center.
Located just down the street from our Parkwood office, The Respite Center provides support to families who are faced with the incredible challenges of raising a child with severe disabilities. The Respite Center provides services ranging from daycare to respite care to community employment support. There are currently 4 EMC families utilizing the care provided in this very special home.
This year Mary and Sharon will not only be running in Michael's memory, but also in the memory of a little boy named Connor Martin, who died in April 1999--just before his third birthday. Connor, who was blind and had cerebral palsy, had stayed at the Center for the better part of his life. In memory of Connor, Connor's mother, Kami Martin, will join Mary and Sharon in this year's running of the Marathon. In doing so, the women hope to raise $150,000 in pledges for the Center which will go toward the Center's scholarship fund providing free care to families in need of financial assistance.
The stories of Michael Lisnow, Connor Martin, and The Respite Center will be covered throughout the race by all the major television channels.
EMC has agreed to match the first $50,000 in pledges raised.
To learn more about The Respite Center, please log on to the BAA website at http://www.bostonmarathon.org , click on "Boston Athletic Association", then click on "Charity Program".
Note that, to participate, you must already be a qualified runner, entries are closed, and "bandits" are not qualified runners.
Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center
(Currently accepting qualified runners only)
112 Main Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748
CONTACT: Mary McQueeney-Lay
508-435-1222
MCLRespite@att.netThe Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center, located in Hopkinton, provides temporary day and overnight care for individuals of all ages with significant disabilities, as well as part time jobs for disabled adults. The Respite Center provides a home away from home. Also, the Respite Center hosts a runner appreciation dinner and provides lodging for the runners.
Sunday, January 07, 2007 01:59 PM