Why We're Running in Matty’s Monster Dash - Ready, Set, Dash! Saturday, October 28 at 9 am

The Pulizzi family ready to race in the 2016 Monster Dash to benefit the Friends for Matty Foundation – Courtesy image (c) 2016 all rights reserved

By Linda White

Although there are many opportunities for Bedford residents to participate in road races that benefit wonderful causes, Matty’s Monster Dash has quickly become a “must run/walk” for the Bedford community. Here are some of the personal reasons that have been shared with The Bedford Citizen:

“My son Carter and I both love to run and it’s a great way to enjoy doing something good together (even though he leaves me in the dust). There is no better foundation to support than the Matty Foundation. It is no surprise to me how many people sign up for this race, either through running or volunteering. It feels like the whole town is there! Tina and Phil have been amazing in their efforts to support other families going through the worst experience a family can go through – taking care of a child with cancer. They honor Matty’s life with their love and care of others so beautifully. His spirit is so alive in all that they do and I wouldn’t want to miss being a part of it and love that I can show my own children how to create good out of tragedy.” Gretchen Kind

“I was so pleased to support the Friends for Matty Foundation last year by running in the Monster Dash and am very excited about the upcoming race on October 28. Our family has been supporting Friends for Matty for many years by attending several of their Gold Ribbon Galas and the annual lemonade stand, but this race is special to us because we are a family of runners. The Monster Dash is a wonderful community event that is run by a dedicated group of volunteers, and it is impressive that this race, only in its second year, will have over 300 runners. It is truly a Bedford event, with a lovely course through the neighborhoods around Davis School.” Dan Brosgol

“Road races have always been one of my favorite types of community events, and I can’t think of a more worthy cause than the Friends for Matty Foundation. I was happy to volunteer at the first annual race, and I was excited to see that Tina and the foundation were able to add a new event to all of the wonderful things they already do. I’m sure it will be an even bigger success this year!” Jen Kelley

“When we learned about Matty’s Monster Dash during the summer of 2016, we signed up immediately. We (my family and I) have always enjoyed running or walking in road races. Knowing the Langone family, what they have been through, and how they have channeled their loss into work to help others through the Friends of Matty Foundation made it a no-brainer. The race is close to home. It’s for a great cause. It keeps alive the memory of Matty and other children like him, and it allows the community a chance to come together and have fun while raising money for a worthwhile cause. Dori Pulizzi

“I couldn’t wait to sign-up for the First Annual Matty’s Monster Dash last year. I love to run, and I couldn’t think of a better way to support such a great cause. The race put a smile on my face and made my heart sing. There were festive tutus and super hero costumes donned by children and adults alike. Familiar community faces pointed us in the right direction as we meandered through the course. It didn’t matter if you were running with a group or on your own, the laughter and shouts of ‘you can do it’ along the way kept us all going. It’s hard to believe my family and I have been in Bedford almost four years now. Every year, there seems to be another fun-filled family event that bring this tight-knit community together. If you are looking for a something to do with your family, definitely consider Matty’s Monster Dash. Whether you are participating as a runner, walker or spectator, you won’t be disappointed and it’s for a great cause. Lisa Harrell

About Matty’s Monster Dash

Matty Langone – Courtesy image, all rights reserved

Whether you have a costume or not, you do not want to miss the 2nd Annual Matty’s Monster Dash, a 5K Run/Walk ~ 10K Run taking place on Saturday, October 28 at 9 am. If you were fortunate enough to participate in, volunteer for, or watch last year’s Monster Dash, you saw runners and walkers of all ages, some in costume and some not, all having a wonderful time for a special cause.

Matty’s Monster Dash is sponsored by the Friends For Matty Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501©3 organization, founded by Phil and Tina Langone in memory of their five year-old son, Matthew, who lost his life to cancer in 2009. All proceeds from the race benefit children and families affected by neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.

Tara Capobianco and Karen Cox, Monster Dash co-chairs explained, “The Dash starts and ends at Davis School. Please join us for the race by using the link below. We encourage all local participants to walk or bike to Davis School to help ease the parking needs. If you’d like to cheer on the runners and walkers please do! There will be no road closures for this event, however, there will be cones, arrows, volunteers and police officers to help with the race route. All proceeds from this race benefit children and families affected by neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.”