It was a great, but tough race. The warm temps made it much more difficult than I expected. I thought of quitting from mile 11 through 23, but with the crowds urging me to continue, and the thought of my family being at the finish line, I knew I had to finish the race.
I was also thinking of the many people who had given much support and encouragement as I prepared for this day, as well as the three kids I was running for.
Leo with friend and fellow Team MSBA member, Mario Martin, as they approached the Team MSBA cheering section at mile 9 in West Natick. Looking good, guys!!
After watching the Team pass mile 9, Leo's family made it back to Boston in time to see him approach the finish line. The security guards let Victoria through the barricades, and Leo pushed her the last 100 yards over the finish line.
Yeah Leo, you did it!!
On Monday, April 21, 2003, I will run the 107th Boston Marathon as a member of the Massachusetts Spina Bifida Association’s Marathon Team. The reason I am running the Boston Marathon at age 42 is not because I love running or the personal challenge, but I love three kids close to me and my family who all have spina bifida. First and foremost is my 12 year old daughter, Victoria Rose Sousa. She was born with spina bifida, has had 14 operations and has been in a wheelchair for 9 years. We loved watching the Boston Marathon for years together, especially the wheelchair division. Our family has had the pleasure of meeting Jean Driscoll - 8 time Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division winner. Second is my nephew Mike Sousa. He is 13 years old, has had many operations and also uses a wheelchair. Our family lives about 50 miles away from each other. Every summer Victoria and Michael spend two weeks together at Handi-Kids camp. The Spina Bifida Association has paid so they can go to camp, at no small expense. For this and other services they provide, we are grateful. The third is a close friend of the family, 5 year old Eric Reidester.
Because of these three great kids and the help of M.S.B.A. in their lives, I will take on two challenges. One is to run 26.2 miles, which I have been training for since last June and will continue to until April 21st. I was not a runner before this. For the second challenge, I will need your help - to raise the $2,500.00 that each runner has to raise. All the money raised goes to the Spina Bifida Association to help families and their kids with spina bifida.
I write this letter because I need your help. If you would like to help or know others who would, please make a tax-deductible donation to M.S.B.A. and pass this on to others.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you need further information, at the telephone numbers below Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Warm Regards,
3/18/03..Fundraising: Leo has raised over $7,500 for MSBA due to the great success of the benefit comedy show, and the generosity of many friends and family members. WOW!!
Webpage by
Please View And Sign Our Guestbook
Victoria Sousa with Jean Driscoll, 8-time winner of the Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division, and Louise Sauvage, 4-time winner of the Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division. What great inspirations for kids with disabilities!
"Laugh For The Kids benefit comedy show held on February 12th at Giggles in Saugus was a HUGE success! A total of $3,863.00 was raised for MSBA!! The show was sold out with over 160 in attendance. A big THANK YOU to Joe Yannetty, Giggles, and the seven other comedians who donated their time and talent."
(with Michael's brother John)
Dear Friend,
Leo Sousa (for Victoria, Mike and Eric)
258 Court Road
Winthrop, MA 02152
H: (617)846-4164
W: (508)923-6400
3/30/03 Our fundraising total to date is $8059.00
Our heartfelt thanks to all!
2/09/03..so far, we've raised over $1,400
through the generous donations of friends and family!
- Please make all checks payable to M.S.B.A. and return to Leo Sousa at the address above.
- Feel free to pass on any of the information provided so that others may participate.
- THANK YOU!
On Saturday, March 29th, Leo went on a 23-mile training run with hundreds of
other charity runners. His time was 3:30:46 - not bad! That will be the
last long run before marathon day.
3/18/03Training: ... Leo has been on several 17-mile training runs with other Team MSBA and Children's Hospital team members. He has experienced some pain due to shin splints. His doctor said the best thing is rest, which he plans on getting plenty of, starting on April 22nd!
1/28/03..Leo's training is averaging 35-40 miles a week. On February 15th he and runners from many other charity teams will meet for an exciting event. They'll run the last 17 miles of the marathon course, complete with water stops.
1/15/03..Leo is training by running an average of 35-37 miles a week. On Saturday January 11th he met up with other members of Team MSBA and the Children's Hospital team. They ran a 13 mile stretch of the marathon course which included Heartbreak Hill!"
Click here SBA for information on Spina Bifida from the
Massachusetts Spina Bifida Association
to find out why it's called "Heartbreak Hill"
