Meet our Greater New England Breakthrough T1D runDisney Team. These dedicated athletes are lacing their sneakers and running towards creating a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D). Learn more about some of the members of the team below!
2024 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
October 31 – November 3, 2024 | Orlando, FL
Amanda Wright | Massachusetts
- Occupation: Estate Planning Attorney at Law Mom, LLC
- What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: My law partner and founding attorney of Law Mom, LLC has a child with T1D. I got to know Samantha Allen during the covid pandemic, and I met her right after her son, Wes, was diagnosed with T1D and while she was expecting her second son, Jax. Circumstances in her life immediately made me a huge part of Law Mom, LLC and I kind of fell into this role as partner here, but I don’t regret it! I’ve known Wes most of his life. He is the bravest, sweetest, and most loving little guy I’ve ever known. I see firsthand what parents of children with T1D manage every day and I’m inspired by Samantha’s strength and commitment to Wes and her advocacy for inclusion of children with T1D in every part of the world. She relentlessly advocates for all children with different medical needs, and this really shows in our work at Law Mom where special needs estate planning is a HUGE part of what we do and our mission. But it goes beyond planning for the big things, there are little things you don’t see, like what it takes to plan for a child with T1D to ride the bus, or take part in a school party with cupcakes, or go away to camp. This year Wes hit so many milestones and I’ll be running in hopes some day there will be advancements in medical technology that let those with T1D live more freely and parents of children with T1D live without fear!
- What got you into road races: I ran a 400m track race in elementary school and never looked back.
- Why did you choose to participate in a runDisney event: My friend, Kacey, got me into the magic of runDisney!
- What you are most looking forward to at your runDisney event: I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of all the runners, especially those running for a greater cause.
- Would you like to share a motivational or inspirational message or quote? The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. May we be reminded that there currently is no conquering T1D for those living with it, but they and their loved ones fight well every day.
2025 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend
January 8 – 12, 2025 | Orlando, FL
Jennifer Richards | Westford, MA
- Occupation: Director GXP Quality Assurance at KalVista Pharmaceuticals
- What is your connection to Breakthrough T1D and T1D: My son, Kailen, was diagnosed September 1, 2023 at the age of 20. Breakthrough T1D has been a resource for Kailen and our family.
- What got you into road races: I love the atmosphere of a race. The spectators and the atmosphere is just so much fun.
- Why did you choose to participate in a runDisney event: I have loved Disney since I was a kid. My first trip was at age 2. My most favorite memories of my kids are when we are at Disney. I have always wanted to do the Dopey Challenge* and to be able to combine it while fundraising for Breakthrough T1D just made sense.
- What you are most looking forward to at your runDisney event: Running down Main Street to the castle and seeing the crowds cheer on the runners.
- Would you like to share a motivational or inspirational message or quote?: “Grab hold of your dreams and make them come true. For you are the key to making your own magic. Now go. Let your dreams guide you. Reach out and find your happily ever after”.
*The Dopey Challenge is a four-day challenge of 48.6 miles of magic: 5K on Thursday, 10K on Friday, half marathon on Saturday, and full marathon on Sunday.
If you are interested in running a local event for Team Breakthrough T1D please reach out to Andrea Herrmann at aherrmann@breakthrought1d.org.
