Norfolk Native to Run the Boston Marathon for Stroke Awareness
Kylie Breen training for the Boston Marathon.
By Grace Allen
Kylie Breen never really liked running, but maybe she didn’t have a reason to do it until now. The Norfolk native will run the Boston Marathon on April 21 for Tedy’s Team, the charity that raises awareness about strokes. She will run the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston in honor of her aunt, who suffered a stroke in 2021 at age 51.
The marathon, said Breen, is a symbol of strength and resilience, qualities her aunt embodies too. Running the Boston Marathon for Tedy’s Team was a natural fit, and Breen was lucky enough to get the coveted charity bib.
“I knew, when I decided to run Boston, that I wanted to pick a charity that would mean something to my aunt, who’s also my godmother,” said Breen. “She suggested Tedy’s Team and I applied. It’s a huge honor to run for them. I am so grateful I can do this.” Tedy’s Team was started in 2005 by Tedy Bruschi, the New England Patriot’s former linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion, after suffering a stroke at age 31. The charity increases awareness about stroke signs, symptoms, and their long-term impact on survivors.
Breen’s aunt, Tracy Branstrom, has made a full recovery after her stroke but her journey was long and arduous. Tedy’s Team has been a source of support and inspiration for Branstrom, who now helps spread the word about the signs of stroke.
Tedy’s Team uses the acronym BE FAST to help people quickly recognize common warning signs of a stroke: (B) Balance Difficulties; (E) Eyesight Changes; (F) Face Drooping; (A) Arm Weakness; (S) Speech Difficulties; and (T) Time to Call 911.
Breen, 24, graduated from King Philip High School in 2019 and went on to study marketing communications at Endicott College, graduating in 2023. She played sports in both high school and college, but says running was often used as punishment by coaches if a sports practice did not go well. She decided two years ago to try and shed those negative connotations by starting to run seriously. She even joined a running club. This past November, she ran the Boston Half Marathon.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Breen, who was energized by the supportive crowd. “It was the farthest I’d ever run, and I think I healed my relationship with running.”
Breen says it’s been a challenging winter for training but also rewarding. It’s made her more appreciative of her own good health.
“One thing that Tedy’s Team emphasizes is that when the training gets hard, you think about your ‘Why,’” said Breen. “My ‘Why’ is my aunt. Knowing what she went through in her recovery gives me the motivation to get up and run in the morning.”
Breen knows the cheers of spectators lining the way from Hopkinton to Boston will help propel her forward on April 21. The Boston Marathon, after all, is iconic for the crowds cheering on the runners, most of whom have a compelling story about why they’re running.
Visualizing crossing the finishing line is also helping her as she puts in the daily miles to get ready for the race.
“I am picturing the end goal, crossing the finish line and the relief I will feel that all the hard work has paid off,” said Breen. “But what I really think about as I train is seeing my aunt at the finish line. I know we will celebrate together because she’s been alongside me through this whole process, as a support system and in fundraising, too. I’m so glad I can share her story.”
Breen has set a fundraising goal of $13,000 for Tedy’s Team. To help her reach her goal, visit www.givengain.com and search for Kylie Breen.
To learn more about Tedy’s Team and its mission, visit tedysteam.org.
