Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston (CCAB) is proud to be one of 50 non-profits selected by John Hancock's 2015 Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program sponsoring four runners. Since 2009, CCAB has been privileged numerous times to sponsor Marathon runners. In 2015, CCAB welcomes Team Charities marathon veteran Vincent Greene of Norton, newcomer Sarah Gasse of Bridgewater, as well as two Catholic Charities staff, Patrick Mooney of Boston, and Nicholas Frazier from Weymouth.

This year's Team Charities runners are inspiring, each in their own way. Veteran marathoner Greene, a Providence-based attorney at Motley Rice LLP, is no stranger to the team. This will be his eighth year running in support of the programs of Catholic Charities that he and his family believe in so much. Frazier, Catholic Charities Annual Fund Manager, who also acts as the agency's marathon team coordinator, was inspired last year by the way the city came together in the wake of 2013's tragic events. While outside of Charities Frazier is an athletic trainer, this will be his first marathon. Frazier has a history working in social service programs and sees this chance as an opportunity to spread awareness and fundraise for the programs of Catholic Charities.

Mooney and Gasse each explain that their inspiration to be part of this team started two years ago. Gasse, now a registered nurse at South Boston Community Health Center, was a Umass Boston nursing student volunteering at the finish line the day of the 2013 marathon. When tragedy struck, she jumped in as a first responder to help anyone who needed it. In 2014, Gasse ran the marathon with an invitational entry given to first responders by the Boston Athletic Association. She finished that day with a continuing passion for the marathon.

"The meaning behind the marathon changed after the tragedy and whether it has been a year or two years, running this race still demonstrates the resiliency of this city," Gasse said. She plans to continue doing her part by being part of Team Charities.

Mooney, Catholic Charities' Youth Tutoring Youth Coordinator, was not at the 2013 marathon as a runner or as a first responder; rather he was there to propose. His then girlfriend, now wife, Megan was running that day.

"After the marathon I planned to propose to her and then celebrate her run and our engagement with everyone. We were very lucky that day. Megan started to get some cramps at mile 20 and I jumped in to finish the marathon with her. Fast-forward and we are stopped 5.5 blocks before the end of the marathon. It wasn't until an hour later that we heard reports of the bombing." His now wife was able to finish the race in 2014 by running with the invitational entry offered to 2013 runners. "I want to run in honor of those who still bear scars from 2013, in memory of those who were taken, and in support of those who are in most need in our city," says Mooney.

With a new year and a new fire, the team has spent and will continue to spend their time running -- short and long runs, up and down hills -- all in preparation for 26.2 miles on Marathon Monday, April 20, 2015. The team's goal is to raise $45,000 for CCAB, 100 percent of which will go towards CCAB programs, such as childcare, Youth Tutoring Youth (YTY), Basic Needs and adult education, and many more.

More information about Boston Marathon Team Charities is available at www.crowdrise.com/catholiccharitiesboston2015. There you will find more information on the runners and how to support them.

DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO IS PRESIDENT OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.



- Deborah Kincade Rambo is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston.