He’s running Boston for his nephews with down syndrome

On our websiteWhy am I running?“, Boston Marathon athletes share what inspires them to take on the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for the Boston Marathon Pop-up Newsletter at Boston.com.

name: Stephen Ponte

Age: 37

From: Somerville, Massachusetts.

My twin nephews, Sebastian and Zachary, are the reason I am running my 130th Boston Marathon.

Shortly after their birth, they were diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Around that time, our family received a care package from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Conference in the NICU—our first introduction to an organization that would become an important source of support for our family.

Sebastian and Zachary, along with their triple sister Sophia, quickly filled our lives with joy and perspective. They have brought our family closer together and helped us see the world in new ways. Sebastian in particular had a bright, cheerful spirit that uplifted everyone around him.

When Sebastian and Zachary were later hospitalized with life-threatening respiratory infections at Boston Children’s Hospital, MDSC was there again.

Through the MDSC Cares program, the organization supports families of children with Down syndrome who face long hospital stays and complex medical challenges.

The cheerful and confident Sebastian has since passed away, but his impact on our family remains immeasurable. Running Boston is my way of honoring him while supporting families like ours and helping ensure individuals with Down Syndrome get the support and opportunities they deserve.

I’m running for Sebastian’s memory and for Zachary’s future.

Editor’s Note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.