Vets for Pets
Veterans Jim Sheedy, Korin Roman-Cruz and Pete Bartoloni at the 2013 Boston Marathon
Veterans from the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford VAMC) participated in the 2013 Boston Marathon to bring awareness to and support the Lowell Animal Shelter. The group was not able to complete the marathon, but their efforts to support the Lowell Animal Shelter continue.
Korin Roman-Cruz, Pete Bartoloni and Jim Sheedy were part of a trio of Veterans that set out to make a difference when they committed to run the 2013 Boston Marathon. Although they were not able to complete their journey it was important that they continue their work in support of the Lowell Animal Shelter.
"When I found out that the Lowell Animal Shelter receives no funds I thought it would be a great way to kick off the volunteer efforts of the Veterans at the Crescent House with the animal shelter," said Pete Bartoloni. "Animals are great therapy for returning vets, and it seemed like a good way to give back to the community. We have several volunteers working at the shelter, and are planning a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the shelter in June."
The trio supported each other throughout their personal journeys toward recovery at the Bedford VAMC and running the marathon together was a natural extension of their mutual support. All are currently employed through the Bedford VAMC Compensated Work Therapy Program (CWT). They understand the impact support can have in making a difference. "I was inspired by Pete, 70 years old and running the marathon to raise awareness for the animal shelter, "said Jim Sheedy. "It just reminds me of all the people who care and work behind the scenes helping others, and I thought I want to be a part of that!"
Korin Roman-Cruz initially led the pack of Veteran runners. "Running the marathon seemed like a great idea," said Roman-Cruz. "A lot of people have helped me, and this is just one way for me to give back to the community in appreciation for those who have helped me." The bond between the Veterans was evident, as was their concern for others. During the marathon, Pete and Jim caught up to Korin who was nursing a knee injury briefly on the sidelines. Of course, it was together that they made their way to a medical tent for Korin to be evaluated.
At a medical tent, 8 miles out from the finish line, news broke of the unimaginable. The group reached out to share their safety with their home, the Crescent House. "We had the marathon coverage on all day at the program, hoping to see a glimpse of Pete, Jim or Korin. As soon as we saw the explosions, our first thought was, "Are they okay? How can we find out?'" said Corona Benson, Bedford VAMC Crescent House Program Manager. "Thankfully, Pete called us shortly after the news broke and let us know that they were together, and still a few miles from the finish line. We were extremely relieved to hear from them. The whole Crescent House community is exceedingly proud of all they've accomplished.
Korin, Pete and Jim want to be sure their group efforts benefit the Lowell Animal Shelter. Please consider attending their Spaghetti Lowell Animal Shelter Benefit Dinner on June 30, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lowell Senior Center. For more information contact Corona Benson, LICSW, CPRP, Crescent House Program Manager at 781-687-4922.
