I am so excited (and grateful) to be running a second marathon with Tedy's Team. I tackled Boston in 2020 with this tribe of warriors -  a year filled with plot twists & unprecedented challenges. Joining the team in 2020 not only helped me achieve a heart-healthy comeback of my own, but also introduced me to a number of people that continue to inspire me today.

I am running for Tedy’s Team as a survivor of open heart surgery; I was born with a congenital heart defect that required surgery in 2014. To condense a long-winded story, I learned the importance of listening to your body when it tries to tell you that something is wrong. My defect was ultimately repaired & my health was restored thanks to an incredible Cardioligist & a wonderful Cardiac Surgeon in Boston. Prior to getting sick in 2014, I had set a goal for myself that I wanted to run the Boston Marathon. At the time, I had just completed a half marathon & was thinking about amping up my training. Once I ended up getting sick, I assumed I would need scrap that goal & reassess what running would look like for me. Luckily, I got the all-clear from my doctor within a year & was able to slowly build my strength back up. In 2020 I found Tedy's Team when I was researching charities online - it was a dream come true! Thanks to this team I not only achieved my goal, but I am coming back for round 2. 

Please consider contributing to our mission. The funds raised by Tedy’s Team go towards stroke research, education and awareness. These donations also help to fund survivor assistance, giving heart survivors the means for a comeback. I am running & fundraising so that all survivors can have a comeback of their own, I consider this marathon to be the next chapter in mine. 

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The mission of Tedy's Team is to raise awareness for stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors on their journey, giving them a means for a comeback!

Tedy's Team was originally founded in 2005, when Tedy Bruschi, former linebacker for the New England Patriots suffered a stroke shortly after winning his 3rd Super Bowl and just days after returning from his first Pro Bowl. to learn more about who we are, please see our website, www.tedysteam.org.

We are honored to be part of the Official Charity Program of the TCS NYC Marathon for 2023.

New York Road Runners has allowed us to utilize their platform to elevate the awareness of the warning signs of stroke, which are best remembered by using the acronym BE FAST, which stands for: 

• Balance Difficulties
• Eyesight Changes
• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulties - and if you notice any of those warning signs, it's...
• TIME TO CALL 9-1-1.

Should you ever have any questions about your donation, please reach out to Elizabeth@TedysTeam.org.

Donations to Tedy's Team are non-refundable and fully tax deductible.