We are so proud of our team of Boston Marathon runners, each of whom has a unique story full of personal connections to TCR and strong motivations for running. In order to honor their efforts, we’re going to introduce our team members four at a time. We hope you’ll check back soon to learn more about James O’Leary, Shane Richardson, John Shea, and Antonio Willis-Berry.
Meanwhile, we are proud to introduce you to Alex Ebling, John Fleming, Jared Huber, and Tim O’Brien.
Alex Ebling
Alex is a Wellesley resident and a teacher at Newton Country Day School. We are thankful to have him on our team as he aims to accomplish a lifelong personal goal: running the Boston Marathon.
Alex runs in memory of his cousin, Sophia, who died when she was one year old. Alex’s aunt and uncle, and his cousin, Isabelle, were served by peer support groups at The Children’s Room after Sophia’s death. Running this year’s marathon is Alex’s way of showing his appreciation for the support his family members received.
Alex said, “It is truly an honor to be able to run for The Children’s Room in honor of my aunt, uncle, Isabelle, and particularly Sophia.”
John Fleming
John Fleming is a resident of Woburn and a teacher and coach at Winchester High School. We are grateful to have John’s positive energy on our team for the second year in a row—this is his second consecutive Boston Marathon for TCR!
As a teacher and coach, John is motivated to run by his students and their families. “As a teacher at Winchester High School, I have seen a tremendous amount of loss during the last few years—students, siblings of current students, recent graduates, and parents of students,” he said. “While the community has grieved over these losses together, the families who have lost a loved one need more support. For many grieving families in Winchester and surrounding towns, that support has come from The Children’s Room.”
Jared Huber
Jared Huber is also a resident of Woburn and a teacher and coach at Winchester High School. This will be Jared’s first marathon. Like John, Jared is also motivated to run by his students and the families of his students.
“TCR has been a tremendous help to many people I know at the high school, and I am continuously amazed by the support they have offered in trying times,” said Jared. “Running the Boston Marathon seems like a small way that I can help support them in the important and meaningful work they do for Winchester and for surrounding communities.”
Tim O’Brien
Tim is a resident of Newton who will run the Boston Marathon in memory of his wife, Keri, who died in November 2015. He and his three children are currently being served by TCR’s peer support groups.
“The groups have truly been a lifeline of support for us, providing an opportunity to share and receive support through a peer group who truly understand what each other are going through,” Tim said. “Several months ago, while out on a run, I was reflecting on how valuable TCR has been and continues to be in my family’s healing process. I realized that I wanted to do something to pay it forward, to make sure that TCR can continue to do its important work.”
About our team
Thanks to the generosity of the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program, this is the eighth year that TCR has received bib numbers for the Boston Marathon. Over the past seven years, our marathon teams have raised over $525,000 to support The Children’s Room. Runners receive ongoing support from The Children’s Room in reaching their fundraising goals, and during their training, the team will be coached by Crissy Straub and Malinda Dublin of MC Coaching.
To support our Boston Marathon team, please click here to visit our page on Crowdrise.
