Media Alert:
Semper Fi Fund Veterans and Boston Survivors Thrive, Reflect and Inspire in Boston Marathon April 15, 2019
Contact: Brian McPherson
Telephone: 740.819.9781
Email: Brian.McPherson@SemperFiFund.org
April 8, 2019
Team Semper Fi Athletes, Boston Survivors and Community Athletes for Semper Fi Fund Take on World Famous Marathon
Who: Forty-five veterans from the Semper Fi Fund’s Team Semper Fi, Boston bombing survivors, and Community Athletes participate in the 123rd Boston Marathon in Support Through Sport.
Key Attendees – interviews available upon request
- Lee Ann Yanni: Boston survivor, Semper Fi Fund Community Athlete and avid runner
- Michelle Kinsella: Boston marathoner, Semper Fi Fund Community Athlete (fundraising over $250k) and local teacher
- Dan Lasko: Amputee runner, combat injured Marine and family man
What: Boston Marathon bombing survivors, Semper Fi Fund’s athletes and Semper Fi Fund Community Athletes will run alongside one another in the 123rd Boston Marathon. These athletes will not only compete together, but they will be continuing to grow post-trauma – learning to thrive beyond their injuries. These unique bonds reinforce that they are not alone and there is a community that supports them.
When: April 15, 2019
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
Why: “Recovery Through Sport” has proven to be an ideal outlet for injured service members and Boston survivors to hone both physical agility and mental focus, skills that are critical to navigating their recovery and reintegration. Learning and practicing alongside wounded service members, they can also trade stories, share strategies for coping with their injuries and forge lasting friendships.
ABOUT THE SEMPER FI FUND:
The Semper Fi Fund provides urgently needed resources and lifetime support for combat-wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Case Managers from the Fund work one-on-one with service members and veterans to understand and support their individual needs right now and throughout their lifetimes. The Fund keeps its overhead extremely low in order to have the greatest impact on the lives of service members and veterans and has been awarded the highest ratings from watchdog groups: A+ from CharityWatch (one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating last year), eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator (an achievement attained by only 3% of rated charities) and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. Learn more at SemperFiFund.org.
ABOUT TEAM SEMPER FI:
Team Semper Fi – is the heart and inspiration of the Semper Fi Fund’s Sports Program and is an extension of the assistance we provide. The teams are made up of servicemen and women who have overcome significant challenges in their service to our country and have embraced the fighting, athletic spirit on their road to recovery. They are an inspiration to us all, but more importantly, they are an inspiration to their fellow service members who are also recovering.
If you would like more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brian McPherson at 740.819.9781 or email at Brian.McPherson@SemperFiFund.org.
