January 7th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
The American Red Cross is a symbol of hope in our community, across the country, and around the world. The Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies, is the driving force behind the work of volunteers across the country. Team Red Cross was founded as an official charity of the Boston Marathon 11 years ago to help raise money for the Massachusetts Region of the American Red Cross, and on Marathon Monday, April 15, 2024, 60 runners will proudly represent Team Red Cross as Runners on a Mission.
Frostburg native Austin Thomas was selected from hundreds of applicants who applied to run in this prestigious event. Austin’s story started three years ago when visiting Boston during the Boston Marathon and made running in the marathon a bucket list event. Fast forward to this past January 2023, he made the decision to get into long distance running to promote a healthly lifestyle and positive mental health. When looking into eligbility for the Bosotn Marathon he found the American Red Cross Charity Team. Austin’s wife worked for the American Red Cross for several years as a Donor Relations Account Manager organizing local blood drives in North Central WV. 11 years ago Austin’s father suffered from a heart attack requiring open heart surgery in which donated blood was used. It is Ausitn’s privilede and honor to give back to the American Red Cross in a different way combining my passion of running with giving back to other by raising money for them.
To support the American Red Cross Austin is raising $10K in the weeks leading up to the Marathon. You can help by going to their GivenGain page at: https://www.givengain.com/project/austin-raising-funds-for-american-red-cross-of-massachusetts-71473 Money raised will go to “where the help is needed most.”
The 128th Boston Marathon will be held on April 15th beginning at 7am in Hopkinton and finishing in Boston. If you’d like to cheer on Austin you can follow their progress from anywhere in the country by downloading the B.A.A. Marathon app on your phone. The Boston Athletic Association site suggests great ways to follow your runner on race day including tips on where to watch the race in person.
For over 40 years the American Red Cross of Massachusetts has been an integral part of the iconic Boston Marathon, providing hundreds of volunteers at the medical tents each year to help ensure that runners and spectators are safe along the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston.
