Supporting Cushing is a marathon, not a sprint

For runner Karin Herzmann, the Boston Marathon marks her 114th marathon, and holds special meaning. She is running for Cardinal Cushing Centers, and in honor of a family friend’s late daughter, Emily, who had Down syndrome.

“As an athlete, I wanted to run Boston to give back to the community,” said Herzmann. “It’s a chance to give kids more opportunities to experience different aspects of life, and Cushing gives them that chance.”

Herzmann, who lives in Minnesota, said running has brought her around the world. She has run marathons in every state at least once, as well as 10 international marathons. In 2022, while vacationing in Costa Rica, she met Danielle Silverberg, Cushing’s director of health services. The two kept in touch and Silverberg saw her run the Cape Cod Marathon and mentioned Cushing offers Boston bibs.

“Immediately, I took interest in Cardinal Cushing Centers,” said Herzmann. “Educating all students is important. The community spirit and vast number of areas that assist the students in life activities at Cushing is exceptional. From creating employment for students to promoting sports, it creates an inclusive atmosphere needed for growth. Long after the Boston Marathon is done and medals are hung, I will still be a serious advocate for Cardinal Cushing Centers. Cushing helps intellectually disabled children succeed in life, and I will always support that cause.”

Herzmann joins runners Meghan Asha, Mike Hannon and James Miller in raising funds for Cushing. 

“This year feels especially meaningful,” said Asha, who lives in New York. “I’m coming off running Tokyo in March, and Boston has always been one of those iconic races that represents both grit and heart. But more than that, I wanted this race to be about something bigger than just finishing. I wanted every mile to have purpose.”

Asha’s brother-in-law, Ari Tannenbaum, is a Cushing resident.

“I’ve visited several times, and seeing the environment they’ve created — the care, the dignity, the sense of community — has been incredibly moving,” she said. “What stands out most is their focus on helping individuals live as independently and fully as possible. The impact they’ve had on Ari and our entire family is something I carry with me, and it made this an easy decision to run in support of them.”

Hannon, who lives in Chicago, was connected to Cushing through his mother-in-law, Christine Lenahan, who served as associate vice president of education and program development.

“This year’s Boston Marathon holds special meaning for me,” he said. “My mother-in-law spent years working with the Cardinal Cushing community, so being able to run in support of this mission feels deeply personal. As I pursue my goal of completing all six World Marathon Majors, I’m proud that this journey can also make a meaningful impact along the way.”

Learn more about the marathon team or donate