Half Mile for Jake Kennedy

My next door neighbor is a really incredible guy. His name is Jake Kennedy. Last fall, Jake was diagnosed with ALS and this nasty disease is moving in fast. Jake now requires 24/7 care in his home – well beyond the loving care that his wife Sparky and their kids have been providing. In honor of Jake Kennedy’s 38th Boston Marathon, the many friends of Jake are planning to participate in this year’s virtual Boston Marathon, which will be held on Sunday, September 13th, 2020. With the traditional Marathon postponed for this year, the BAA is encouraging runners and not for profit organizations to make up their own 26.2 mile course and then let the BAA know of your route and course time.

For Jake, since he is unable to run this year, a group of Jake’s friends, led by former Scituate neighbor, Mike Toomey, have committed to run either a half mile or a mile for Jake and then hand the baton to the next friend of Jake. The course will start in Scituate and conclude at 45 Franklin Street in Boston, home of Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy.

I have decided to participate by running a half mile segment not only to honor Jake but also to help raise awareness and from a practical standpoint help raise funds for the Jake Kennedy ALS Medical Care fund.  My individual goal is to raise $1,000 for Jake’s medical care, which as you can imagine has staggering implications for Jake, his wife Sparky and their incredible family.

Jake and his wife Sparky are the driving force behind “Christmas in the City”, an “extravaganza” they created 30 years ago for homeless children. Christmas in the City runs non-denominational holiday events for children and families experiencing homelessness and poverty, and throughout the year is always on the lookout for ways to help those in need.

So for a family who has always been giving to others, I truly appreciate your consideration in helping me support Jake and his fight with ALS by contributing to my GoFundMe!

 Best,
Danny