Hey everyone,
This week I crossed the 14-mile mark. Felt pretty good—well, as good as running 14 miles can feel. Even better, we crossed the $6,000 mark for fundraising! Thanks to all of you, we’ve raised $6,041 so far for the Joslin Diabetes Center. I am beyond grateful for how far we’ve come—both in miles and in support.
This week was a tough one emotionally. I’ve been missing Becky a lot. I was traveling for work, which meant a lot of time waiting in airports, train stations, and cars—all those moments when I would have normally called her. I must have gone to text or call her five different times, only to be slapped in the face by reality.
But there were signs. During a stressful board meeting, every time I looked down at my Apple Watch, the same photo of Becky, Scott, and me from her wedding came up—again and again—despite the fact that 300 photos cycle through that album. On the way home from my nephew’s birthday, I ended up behind a car with a Hofstra sticker. This past weekend was also Becky’s 20-year high school reunion. Scott and the planning committee did such a beautiful job setting up memorials for classmates they lost and creating a scholarship in their names. I know if Becky had been there, I would’ve picked her up from the airport or gone to see her while she stayed with Terri. She’s still here, just not in the way I’d prefer.
Now, onto some donor love.
Kieu Wong – Kieu and I worked together at one of those “real” startups, the kind where you assemble your own desk on day one. Kieu is a total force—hands-down the best saleswoman I know. “No” just means “not yet” to her. She never quits, always has a smile, and somehow sells into one of the toughest markets out there: higher ed. On top of that, she’s raising two amazing kids, one just starting college. She’s also a badass kickboxer (and once took down a guy who tried to steal from her on the street!). I’m so grateful our paths crossed.
Adelaide Keith – Becky’s sweet aunt and Eloise’s sister. Adelaide is always there with a hug, a kiss, and a question about your family. She and Eloise share a bond built on devotion—to each other, to family, to church, and even to midnight Black Friday shopping. Adelaide and her late husband Jim raised Michele and Andrea, and now have four beautiful grandkids. Becky loved her dearly and was so happy to see Adelaide and Eloise finally take their dream trip to the Azores and Portugal last year.
Andrea Byrne – Becky’s cousin and one of Adelaide’s daughters. Andrea is a Disney superfan and a devoted mom to three incredible boys with her husband Tim: CJ and twins Sean and Ian. Both Tim and CJ proudly served our country, something I’m so grateful for. Andrea is also a longtime educator in Peabody, carrying on the family tradition. She and Becky shared countless laughs at family gatherings, and I’m so thankful for her support.
Terri Gabriel – Becky’s sister, which makes her mine too (whether she likes it or not). I love Terri so much I even convinced her to move to my town, sending her photos of diverse classrooms and families until she gave in. Terri has always been cool—whether as president of Bishop Fenwick back in high school or now as a passionate, smart, caring mom to Sammy with her husband Justin. Becky adored Sammy, and I know she would have spoiled him just as much as the rest of us do.
My most memorable Becky-and-Terri story will always be the eyelash curler incident before a night out at TGI Friday’s. Becky accidentally ripped out all of her eyelashes, and Terri and I spent the night at CVS buying every fake eyelash product in sight—blasting Taylor Dayne’s I’ll Be Your Shelter in the car. Looking back, that’s all Terri and I ever wanted to do for Becky: be her shelter.
Adrienne Deveau Mitchell – North Shore strong, from Lynn! Adrienne went to school with Pammy, and I’m so grateful for your support (and your adorable profile picture with your sweet baby).
That’s a wrap on this week’s update. I’ll try to get another one up this weekend. Big one coming—18 miles on Sunday. Time to boogie!
Big love,
Kate
Only 26 miles to go! 
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