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Squirrel Run XV, Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS
The 15th Annual Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS, (the Squirrel Run XV), a 5-mile run, 2.5-mile fitness walk and family fun day which will be held on Saturday, June 9th at Pageant Field, Merrymount Parkway in Quincy.
Proceeds from the Squirrel Run will benefit The Angel Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at the UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
According to Jimmy’s brother Rich (Ratt) Kennedy, Jimmy was an outstanding football player and track athlete who graduated from North Quincy High in 1984, the 8th and final member of the Kennedy family to do so. He graduated with high honors from Northeastern, receiving his diploma from his Dad, Dean of Students Christopher Kennedy (himself a 25 year member of the Quincy School Committee). Jimmy moved on to Washington DC where he attended and ultimately graduated from Georgetown Law School. He passed the bar on his first attempt, accepted a job with the prestigious Washington law firm Schwald, Donnenfeld and Bray, and settled in suburban Waldorf, MD with his new wife Karen.
Shortly after settling in Waldorf, Jimmy began to notice weakness and difficulties with daily activities. Progression of symptoms led to diagnostic testing and in short order he received two dramatically contrasting pieces of information: First, his wife Karen informed that she was pregnant with their first child …… and then he was told that he had ALS. The diagnosis was particularly hard for Jimmy to hear, as he had earlier watched his Dad succumb to the same horrific disease.
Jimmy was 28 when he was given this diagnosis and experienced the typical deterioration which comes with ALS. He watched the birth of his son but over time, found himself less and less able to assist in his care. Shortly after his 31st birthday, Jimmy said goodbye to his wife and son for the last time.
The Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS is a tribute to the life of our beloved Squirrel, which each year brings together Jimmy’s friends, family, former teammates and classmates. It has become a joyous memorial, a highly competitive race and a magnificent, family oriented day of fun.
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the 5-mile run and 2.5 mile walk that begins with registration at 8 a.m. The 2.5-mile fitness walk starts at 9 a.m. followed by the 5-mile run at 10 a.m. The USA Track and Field, New England Association officially sanctions the course.
The cost is $20 for registrations received before May 25th, 2012 and $25 after that date. All participants will receive a race t-shirt. Numbers will not be mailed prior to the race.
Registrations can be sent to the Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS, 5 Norman Todd Lane, Cohasset, MA 02025.
In addition to the race and walk, the day will be filled with entertainment for children, plenty of refreshments, and awards for competitive runners in all divisions for men and women. There will be trophies, gift certificates, and other awards, as well as raffle prizes.
For registration information, or for further information please call Rich (Ratt) Kennedy (781) 383-6008, or email him at tytaylin@aol.com; or Marty Levenson (781) 278-1127, or at mlevenson@adt.com.