The Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton has been a vital support system for families and individuals with disabilities for 27 years. Co-founder Sharon Lisnow commemorates this milestone, emphasizing the community’s unwavering support: “We have been so fortunate with the level of kindness and support that the Respite Center has thrived.”
As part of their efforts, the “Michael’s Miracle” Marathon Team participates in the Boston Marathon annually, raising crucial funds and awareness. These inspiring narratives illustrate how the marathon fosters community spirit and underscores the essential services provided by the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. As runners prepare for the prestigious event, their collective determination resonates deeply, uniting families and advocates in pursuit of a shared mission.
Michael’s Miracle Marathon Team
The author interviewed twenty-two of the seventy-two team members. The following are their stories.
Chris Quill
Among the steadfast supporters of Michael’s Miracle is Chris Quill, who is participating for the fourth time. He is married to Sheila Quill, a dedicated arts teacher at the Respite Center for the past six years.
Together, they are proud parents of five children. Sheila has earned recognition for her artistic contribution by creating tiles for the “Wall of Fame” at the Respite Center. To receive a tile, individuals must raise $15,000 or run on the marathon team for five years.
Chris has already achieved his tile (tile wall next to Chris) and raised an impressive $50,000.
He describes this endeavor as a family affair: “It’s my way to contribute to the Respite Center.” He continues to run year after year, emphasizing the importance of belief in the Respite Center’s mission. “I feel blessed to have a great network of family, friends, and colleagues who have been able to support me.”
Katie Caruso
Joining the team for the first time is Katie Caruso, whose connection to the center runs deep through her sister, Janet, who also ran for the center. Growing up in Sherborn, MA, she fondly remembers spending time at the center.
Now residing in San Diego, CA, Katie looks forward to returning to run the Boston Marathon. “Boston has been my dream to run because I would watch Michael’s Miracle for years,” she says, adding, “I’m excited and honored to run for them.”
Michael Stapleton
New to the team this year is Michael Stapleton, an army serviceman who requested a transfer back to Roslindale, MA, due to “medical necessities” for my son. That’s what brought him to the Respite Center. His son, Luca, two years old and blind, has been at the Respite Center for eight months.
The inspiring work of the center, along with the other children, motivates Stapleton. He learned that much of the funds raised during the Boston Marathon support the Respite Center’s services.
Although Stapleton has never run a marathon, his career as an army ranger has seen him cover marathon distances. With limited time to prepare, he is diligently increasing his mileage. His primary motivation lies in thinking of his son: “I think of my son. He doesn’t have a chance to get prepared for the things he needs to do,” so I put myself in his shoes.
He refers to the center’s staff as “saints” for their dedication. Stapleton looks forward to seeing his family at the finish line, proudly representing the Respite Center. “I love my beautiful wife, Jaritza, and my son, Luca,” he says. Editor’s note: Thank you for your service, sir.
Penny Noll
Also new to the team is Penny Noll, a seasoned marathoner who has completed over 60 marathons across all 50 states. Having volunteered at the Boston Marathon for six years, she finally decided to compete.
Disappointed after applying to several charities, Noll posted on social media. Kim O’Melia, a fellow runner from this year’s team, encouraged her to contact the Respite Center.
Connecting with marathon coordinators Wendy Sousa and Ricardo Barraza, Noll felt, “I understood what the mission of the Respite Center is, and I could appreciate all that they accomplish.”
She found it serendipitous to run for the Respite Center, having worked with young children of all abilities, knowing that many families could have benefited from the center had they lived in the area.
Craig Szymanski, Kim O’Melia, and Karen Woolf Senn
In the realm of “six degrees of separation,” the paths of Kim O’Melia, Craig Szymanski, and Karen Woolf Senn converged through their shared zeal for running.
Their introduction to the Respite Center stemmed from Senn’s commitment; she had run for the organization twice and had a personal connection through her child with autism. Remarkably, Szymanski and Senn had grown up together in the same school system, later reconnecting through their daughters’ friendship.
All three belong to “Run 169,” a collective committed to completing races in each of Connecticut’s 169 towns, with the New York City Marathon being a recent collective achievement.
Szymanski expressed his motivation, stating, “I have quite a few friends with children with different disabilities, so it’s nice to know I’m helping somebody on that end of the world.”
The 25th Anniversary video, which highlighted the center’s impact, deeply moved him.
O’Melia shared her sentiments, affirming, “I love the Respite Center,” highlighting the absence of similar facilities for her nephew with severe autism and epilepsy. Their commitment exemplifies how running transcends personal goals, fostering meaningful change in the community.
Grace Morrissey Barbagallo
Grace Morrissey Barbagallo, a dedicated runner, found herself drawn to Michael’s Miracle Marathon team for a cause close to her heart.
While she had previously supported cancer charities in honor of her mother, whose struggle with leukemia inspired her athletic endeavors, this year was different.
“It pulled at my heartstrings,” she reflected after stumbling upon the RRespite Center during her research for Boston Marathon charities. With a nephew on the autism spectrum, Grace wondered, “What would happen if something happened to his mom? What kind of programs are available for people with disabilities?”
Her journey took a deeper turn when she started fundraising for the center, connecting with volunteers and families who were impacted by its services. In her interview to join the team, she articulated, “Everybody knows somebody that has cancer, and it feels like everyone is always running for cancer research, which is so amazing. But everyone also knows somebody with a disability.”
As Grace contemplates her future and the prospect of motherhood, she acknowledges the unpredictability that comes with being a parent. “I am going to love my kid no matter what, but it can be harder than you anticipate if your child has special needs,” she stated.
Her conviction that “it’s incredibly necessary” to support the Respite Center underscores her commitment to making a difference.
Daniel Milton
The Respite Center has played a pivotal role in helping runners achieve their goals, fostering a lifelong support base for the charity.
Daniel Milton, now in his sixth year with the organization, is a proud member of the “Bring Your Own Bib” (BYOB) club. Despite having secured a Boston Qualifying time, he continues to run and fundraise for the center.
Last year, Milton was honored with a tile on the wall and is committed to supporting the Respite Center for as long as he can.
Milton first reached out to the Respite Center in 2020 when he lacked a BQ time but sought to maintain his streak of 25 consecutive Boston Marathons. He emailed marathon coordinator Wendy Sousa, who welcomed him onto the team.
Milton continues to run for the Respite Center because, as he states, “I really enjoy raising money for the center. I enjoy coming there and seeing everyone on marathon weekend.” He expresses gratitude towards the organization, crediting them for enabling him to run his 30th Boston Marathon next year.
Luis Melendez
Luis Melendez is set to run his first Boston Marathon with Michael’s Miracle, a deeply meaningful experience as he completes his Abbott World Marathon Major (WMM) Six Star journey.
Having previously attended Boston College, Melendez recalls, “Coming to run the Boston Marathon and earning my Abbott WMM 6-star is bringing it home.”
His eyes welled with tears as he reflected on the strenuous path from college student to his current life in New Jersey, where he balances work and his passion for running while supporting a vital charity.
Initially placed on the waiting list, Melendez received unexpected news just ten weeks before the race. “I was in shock and elated,” he recalls. He explains the warmth and support the center offers, likening it to “that cool cousin that is always there for you.”
Melendez expresses profound gratitude: “I can’t say thank you enough for this opportunity. It means so much to me.” He commits to lifelong support of the Respite Center, recognizing its pivotal role in his journey: “This charity will have a special place in my heart.”
Frances Lugo
Frances Lugo from Puerto Rico is also set to receive her Abbott WMM 6 Star medal in Boston. This is not only her first year with the Respite Center, but she has also raised over $15,000, earning her a spot on the “Hall of Fame” at the Respite Center.
Lugo intentionally left the Boston Marathon as the final leg of her 6 Star journey, as she wanted to run for a charity that held personal significance.
Lugo chose to support autism-related causes due to her 7-year-old godson being on the spectrum. She expressed, “They just got my heart. It’s a center that I wish we could have in Puerto Rico.”
She noted the challenges her best friend faced in securing resources and support for her son and recognized “how important it is to have people who know how to help.” After discovering the Respite Center, she connected with fellow Puerto Rican Wiljalis, who also had run for the organization. Ultimately, Lugo is thrilled that her fundraising is going towards people who need it and an organization she admires.
Jaiden Wittel and Wood Lehane, both from Dell
In an inspiring collaboration, the Michael Lisnow Center continues its partnership with Dell, where twenty athletes, guided by Sandra Wood Lehane, are committed to raising $100,000 for families in need.
Lehane, who has run with Michael’s Miracle marathon team for 14 years, emphasizes the center’s impact: “They say yes to any family that needs their love, care, and suppor with extraordinary love and care.”
This year, Lehane has recruited Dr. Mark Messinger and Jaiden Wittel to her team. Wittel, running her first marathon, expresses gratitude for merging her passion for running with charity, stating, “This is all for such an amazing cause.”
Dr. Mark Messinger
Conversely, Messinger, a chiropractor, recalls Lehane urging him to return to running after his 2011 Boston Marathon dropout: “You have unfinished business.”
With personal experience from his son’s heart surgery, he resonates deeply with the center’s mission, describing his initial visit as “so much more than I even imagined.”
Messinger has since raised $14,000 and is motivated to teach his children compassion through this journey, hoping to inspire them to “understand what other families go through, and different ways you can give back.”
Their collective efforts underscore the profound impact of community in supporting those in need.
Laura McLaughlin from Dell
Laura McLaughlin is proudly representing the Dell team in this year’s Boston Marathon, a journey she has waited for a decade.
A valued member of Dell since 2018, Laura has previously run marathons for various charities. “I’m blown away by the support the Respite Center gives to the runners,” she remarked, emphasizing the center’s vital role in the community.
She expresses her hope that her children, who will witness her running for meaningful causes, “will learn that we can always help and look after each other.”
Cory Federline from Dell
Cory Federline, also from the Dell team, shares a unique perspective as he returns to the marathon scene. Having initially run as a bandit runner at age 18, he now approaches the race at 42, motivated by his connection to the Hopkinton-based Respite Center.
“I take pride in running for a charity that supports the roots of Dell, which acquired EMC,” he affirmed, reflecting on the legacy of EMC in the community.
Cory has been inspired by the Respite Center’s work and looks forward to future fundraising. “I don’t think it will be over on Monday. It’s going to be a lifelong memory and hopefully further engagement with the Respite Center.”
George Kantaris and Robert Hinojosa
Every year, the camaraderie and dedication fostered by Michael’s Miracle grow stronger, exemplified by the return of seasoned runners like Robert Hinojosa and George Kantaris.
Hinojosa, now in his 12th year with the team, has raised over $300,000 since he began running in 2014, motivated by the tragic events of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Initially intending to participate in one marathon, his experience transformed into a deeper commitment. “Just seeing the families and the kids and knowing where the money raised goes, it turned into running about Michael’s Miracle,” he reflects.
For Hinojosa, each marathon feels like a reunion, connecting with repeat runners and the vibrant community supporting the Respite Center. Similarly, George Kantaris, who joined the team in 2018, finds his motivation not in the race itself, but in the relationships forged over the years. “The wonderful people at Michael’s Miracle and the friends I made there keep me coming back.”
Since 2021, Kantaris has taken on the role of chef, preparing a pre-marathon dinner at the Respite Center, determined to bring “Greek Easter to Boston” this year. Together, Hinojosa and Kantaris embody the spirit of dedication, community, and support that defines Michael’s Miracle.
Simon Cook
Simon Cook, a dedicated repeat runner from the United Kingdom, is preparing for his return to the Respite Center after earning his Abbott World Marathon Majors 6-star last year.
Inspired by the profound impact of his time there, he states, “It was an amazing experience, and I wanted to come back and raise funds.”
Cook has successfully raised $15,000, allowing him to secure a tile on the Wall of Fame. This year, he eagerly anticipates reconnecting with the friends he met during his last visit. “The whole journey was incredible, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in it again,” he adds.
Frederic Taillier, originally from France
Frederic Taillier joins the roster of international participants. Introduced to the Respite Center by fellow runner Henryk Rybka, Taillier prepared for the Boston Marathon by training in Kenya, where he had the privilege of meeting Eliud Kipchoge.
Kipchoge is the 2016 and 2020 Olympic marathon champion, and was the world record holder in the marathon from 2018 to 2023, until that record was broken by Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Kipchoge has run 3 of the 10 fastest marathons in history.
Moved by the center’s 25th-anniversary video, he reflects, “I have three kids and I know what it is to be a father, but I don’t know what it is to be a father with a kid with difficulties. I think it’s beautiful if I can help and contribute through his fundraising efforts.”
Mary McGhee
Returning for her third year, Mary McGhee has a personal connection to the Respite Center, having a nephew with Asperger’s syndrome and a great-nephew with autism.
Introduced to the charity by a friend, she notes, “This charity is close to my heart and they have accepted me for three years, so I’ll keep coming back as long as they say yes.”
Born with a cleft lip and palate, McGhee appreciates the support and sense of community the charity provides.
Robert Wang
New to the team but introduced by (author) Maria Bendeck, who has championed the Respite Center for years, is Robert Wang.
Initially hesitant, Wang finally heeded his friend’s encouragement to explore the center’s mission. He discovered a remarkable narrative worth sharing:
What I look for when considering charities is how easy or hard it will be for me to tell their story. The Respite Center is very specific, with a great story of how they came to be.
Driven by a desire to amplify this narrative, Wang has successfully raised over $12,000 for the center, a testament to his commitment.
Wang is discerning when it comes to charitable involvement, stating, “If the charity doesn’t resonate with me, I won’t apply.”
Wang expresses deep appreciation for the residents of Hopkinton, acknowledging the challenges that come with hosting the marathon and its accompanying disruptions. “Hopkinton has an amazing cause with the Respite Center that fills an important need in the community, and they should be proud of it. It does take a village, and Hopkinton is that amazing village.” In uniting under this cause, the community exemplifies the power of collective compassion and support, strengthening bonds and inspiring future generations.
Dr. Maria Bendeck is a board-certified internal medicine physician, freelance writer, world traveler, avid marathon runner, and community builder. She believes in embracing life to the fullest by exploring new places, helping others, and empowering people through writing.
