PAX Centurion - November / December 2015

Page 14 • PAX CENTURION • November/December 2015 617-989-BPPA (2772) A labor of love By Mark A. Bruno I recently met – for the first time – TeamHoyt. After watch- ing so many Boston Marathons, these two individuals always captured my heart with the spirit they showed. Dick and Rick Hoyt competed in 32 Boston Marathons. Any true Bostonian knows exactly who these two special people are; a father and son team that have been raising money through their Team Hoyt website, which has gone towards finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and other similar diseases. Rick Hoyt was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, which caused a lack of oxygen to the brain, giving him the condition that he has today. His parents were told to place him in an institution because he would be like a vegetable his whole life. Ignoring these suggestions, the Hoyts always believed their son Rick was coherent by the way he followed them with his eyes. Rick, with the help of his parents and a computer which helped him to communicate his thoughts, would go on to graduate with a degree in special education from Boston University. It is so nice to hear stories like this. This young man is truly gifted! The racing began when Rick asked his father if he would take place in a benefit run to raise money for a lacrosse player from his school that had become paralyzed. Dick Hoyt would push his son in a wheelchair to the finish line. This would begin what has become one of the most famous racing teams in history. Dick Hoyt was not a racer but trained himself to become one. Rick told his parents when he is being pushed like that during the races he actually feels like he is run- ning. Dick Hoyt would soon run in marathons with his son Rick. To- gether they have run in 72 marathons including 32 times in our own Boston Marathon. In 1992, they crossed the United States in 45 days by biking and running. Nothing could stop the spirit of these two people who have accomplished more than most people could ever dream of. The Hoyt family thanked me and all my fellow officers for keeping them safe. Dick Hoyt is now 75 years old, which you would never know by just looking at him. He has a vice grip for a handshake and will outlast any Energizer Bunny. After watching for so many years as he pushed his son across the finish line in dozens of Boston Marathons, this was truly an honor for me to meet them. The Hoyts are not movie stars, but they are far from average. This family epito- mizes the meaning of hope and believing in one’s self. I tip my hat to the Hoyt Family for their accomplishments and all the money they have raised over the years to help fight muscular dystrophy. In the spirit of giving and with the holiday season upon us, I ask all my fellow officers to contribute to this foundation. I ask you to also contribute to our own Cops for Kids with Cancer. Being charitable is good for the soul. With that being said, I would like to wish the Hoyt Family and all my fellow officers a Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear! Proud Supporters of the BPPA. Visit AAA Police Supply to see a full line of Products including Uniform Shirt Style Covers. AAA Police Supply • 940 Providence Highway, Route 1 • Dedham, MA 02026 781-326-8845 • aaapolicesupply.com • blauer.com