Alexis Avila's quest to take on Heartbreak Hill

I have been a Big Brother since 2003 to Danielson Gomes and in 2010 we were nominated as one of the final five finalists for Big Brother of the Year; a huge honor to say the least.

Today, Danielson and I are as close as real brothers and my wife Sandy and I recently helped him get into a fantastic internship program called Year Up. Danny is excelling at Year Up and plans to pursue a career in IT. Not bad for a guy who barely said a word to me at our first meeting in 2003!

I am running this marathon in honor of programs like Mass Mentorship and the Big Brother Program. These programs allow marginalized youth the chance to succeed in this ultra-competitive society.

My father Juan Manuel Avila is also an inspiration. My dad grew up in a modest household in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, went to University of Michigan medical school, moved to Boston to become a psychiatrist, and then dedicated his entire professional career to giving back to underserved populations in inner-city Boston. My dad clearly never forgot his humble beginnings.

I dedicate this marathon to people like my father who dedicate their lives to giving back. See you at the finish line.