Growing up in Massachusetts, running the Boston Marathon was always a lifelong goal for Bellingham native and current San Diego resident Alexa DiAntonio. Being able to raise money for The New England Center for Children while doing it has been a bonus.
“I decided to apply for the opportunity to join Team NECC because of their incredible mission to give children living with autism the best services to live full, productive, and rewarding lives in their community,” DiAntonio explained. “It has been an incredible opportunity thus far and I am so grateful to be welcomed into the #TeamNECC family, even across the country.”
DiAntonio grew up watching her mother thrive in her career as a special education teacher, which inspired DiAntonio to help others, whether through her career or her hobbies. “She has taught me to treat every individual with kindness and help create awareness that children with autism can live full, productive, and rewarding lives,” she explained. “I’m running for all students who work hard every day at NECC to learn communication, social skills, and academics. My mom is one of my biggest supporters, and I am lucky to raise awareness for a mission she has spent her whole life dedicated to and to make her proud.”
DiAntonio currently works as a supervisor with the customer care team for Tandem Diabetes Care, which provides insulin pump therapy for those living with Type 1 diabetes. “It is a pleasure going to work each day knowing I am helping improve the lives of people across the nation living with diabetes,” she said.
DiAntonio believes she has a unique opportunity to spread awareness and share her journey training for and running the Boston Marathon for #TeamNECC from coast to coast. “I hope to bring awareness to NECC and its incredible mission to the West Coast,” she said. “The team has been very welcoming, and it has been a privilege to contribute to our shared fundraising goal. I am so proud to represent #TeamNECC and grow new friendships with my teammates across the country.”
Though there is a level of discipline in training alone in San Diego, DiAntonio said her teammates “keep me motivated and inspired. Running with one of the Boston Marathon’s official charities is motivation in and of itself.”
DiAntonio, who finished the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon in 2019, comes from a family of runners and is looking forward to earning the title of Boston Marathon finisher. “I hope to make my family and friends proud. I feel lucky to have such an incredible support system, and I cannot wait for Marathon Monday.”
To support DiAntonio’s efforts, visit her donation page.