We recently heard about a particularly extraordinary Boston Marathon Story, and it involves Larry Grogin, a 59-year athlete who took part in last year’s Boston Marathon. On April 13 he’ll set out to run 250 miles from his home town of Franklin Lakes, N.J. all the way to the Boston Marathon and average about 32 miles a day. A long-time volunteer for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, an organization founded by Paul Newman that helps children suffering with serious illness, Grogin was running for his favorite charity that day and was just turning the corner toward the finish when the first bomb exploded.
“I have run hundreds of marathons all over the world, but the Boston Marathon is like no other. Filled with patriotic messaging, people saluting, crowds cheering and chanting “U-S-A”…it is hard to describe the incredible vibe,” he said.
Like so many, he did not get to finish the marathon that day and has a very hard time forgetting the horrible unfolding of the day’s events. Having been told by the police to get away from the scene, Grogin was unable to help victims of the tragedy and suffers from tremendous “Survivor’s Guilt.” He is, however, inspired by the remarkable children at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and has now made it his mission to help raise funds for a cause so dear to his heart.
INSPIRATIONAL VOLUNTEER RUNS FROM NJ TO BOSTON MARATHON
FOR THE “HOLE IN THE WALL GANG” CAMP
59 Year-Old Runs 250 Miles
To Raise Funds for Children with Serious Illness
WHO: Larry Grogin, 59-year old camp volunteer from NJ; Ray Shedd, Senior Development Officer, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp; Crowds of supporters including Grogin’s Heroes team mates taking part in this remarkable journey
WHAT: Extraordinary 59-year old camp volunteer to embark on a week-long journey, running from NJ to the 2014 Boston Marathon to raise funds for seriously ill children and their families.
WHY: Founded by Paul Newman in 1988, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides “a different kind of healing” to children and families facing with serious illness
WHERE: Franklin Lakes Municipal Building, 480 Des Kortes Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ
WHEN: Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Larry Grogin, a 59-year old man inspired by Paul Newman’s commitment to help children with serious illness, will embark on a remarkable journey that will transform the lives of thousands of children. On April 13th, Grogin will run 224 miles from his home town of Franklin Lakes, NJ to Hopkinton, MA, the start of the Boston Marathon. Grogin plans on arriving on April 19th, just in time to run this year’s Boston Marathon for a total of 250 miles (averaging about 32 miles a day).
A long-time volunteer for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Grogin credits the children he meets each year as his source of inspiration. He explains, “Camp offers a special hideout where seriously ill children and families can find a community of fun, friendship and acceptance. The children are thrilled to participate in the joy-filled moments at camp. They capture my heart, taking on incredible challenges of their own at camp – like rock climbing and zip gliding — which in turn empowers them and encourages them to celebrate life!”
Ray Shedd, Senior Development Officer at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp relays, “Larry’s heartfelt compassion and boundless enthusiasm inspires everyone he comes in contact with. We are truly grateful for his decision to initiate such a challenge. The money raised will help us continue to provide a world of possibilities to seriously ill children and their families.”
Grogin will be making presentations about the charity to schools and hospitals along his route. For more information visit, www.holeinthewallgang.org or to make a donation visit: http://www.crowdrise.com/larrygrogin