Rookie runners, Abby and Maggie Roberts of North Attleborough, will be running the 129^th Boston Marathon®️ with Tedy’s Team in honor of their loved ones who have been affected by stroke and heart disease.

In February of 2005, Abby and Maggie’s neighbor and close family friend, Tedy Bruschi, suffered a stroke. While they may not have fully grasped the significance of what was going at such a young age, they still were inspired by his comeback and remember the excitement around Tedy’s first game back at Gillette Stadium.

“Throughout my life, I admired Tedy’s hard work and dedication to the things that were important to him,” explained Abby. “When I heard the crowd through the TV welcoming him back to the field, I realized that his journey extended far beyond our small circle. It touched countless fans and supporters who were cheering him on with us.”

The following year, Tedy’s Team secured five bibs for the 2006 Boston Marathon. One of those bibs went to Abby and Maggie’s dad, William, who was a proud member of our first ever, Boston Marathon team.

“Watching our dad cross the finish line was inspiring, but it was also a moment that showcased Tedy and Heidi’s commitment to helping others.” Maggie said. “We have been fortunate enough to witness the positive impact that Tedy’s Team has made on the lives of so many affected by stroke and heart disease.”

The Roberts family faced another chapter in this journey when their grandmother suffered her first stroke in 2018, and then shortly after in 2019, when Tedy had his second stroke. Fortunately, in both instances the warning signs were quickly recognized, leading to immediate medical treatment.

“Seeing again how quickly somebody’s life can change emphasized the importance of the work that Tedy’s Team has been doing to raise more awareness of stroke and the warning signs,” Abby explained. “Inspired by the role models in my life, I am excited to follow in my dad and Tedy’s footsteps and cross that finish line with Tedy’s Team in April.”

Over the course of their life, Abby and Maggie have seen first-hand the impact that stroke and heart disease can have on an individual and their family and friends. Within those experiences, they have also witnessed inspiring comebacks. On top of Tedy’s comeback journey, they watched their grandmother come back from multiple strokes, and their uncle recover from major open-heart surgery.

“Growing up, I’ve seen the work that Tedy’s Team has been able to do over the last 20 years, and I could not be prouder to run with the organization alongside my sister,” said Maggie. “From where they started when my dad first ran in 2006, to now seeing initiatives like the Comeback Assistance Program, and the Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery at MGH, I am even more inspired to run and support others in their recovery journeys.”

On Monday, April 21^st, Abby and Maggie will be tackling the 129^th Boston Marathon with their fellow teammates to raise life-saving funds and awareness of stroke and heart disease. To support their fundraising and awareness efforts, please visit their personal team page and learn the warning signs of stroke, which are best remembered by using the acronym BE FAST, which stands for:

• Balance Difficulties
• Eyesight Changes
• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulties – and if you notice any of those warning signs, it’s…
• TIME TO CALL 9-1-1.

BE FAST is an acronym to help you quickly recognize common signs of a stroke and to take any necessary action by calling for emergency medical services. Other symptoms may include sudden and severe unexplained headache or migraine with no obvious cause, and confusion or trouble understanding things they would normally know.

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