Josh Levine 2011 Boston Marathon

“I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise...” - Sasha Azevedo

The more I run, the more it becomes central to who I am. For me, it’s not just exercise- it’s meditative, thinking time, a stress reducer, a way to see the world, a lifestyle, the strongest social community I have been a part of and, as I continue to set new goals, a challenge. Over the past two years I have run a marathon, two half marathons and numerous shorter distance races. And now, I have set my sights on Boston 2011. This is the city that I love and that I have called home for the last five years. The Boston Marathon unites people from all over the world who share a passion for running. It is the world's oldest annual marathon and certainly one of the most challenging. But I am not doing it just for me. I am running the Boston Marathon with a purpose, I am running to support Summer Search Boston.

Why Summer Search? When I take stock of my own experiences, what I keep coming back to are challenges that I have learned how to confidently work through. One big piece of this has been the many role models who have taken me under their wing, mentored me and supported me. Summer Search Boston offers this same kind of support to its students through mentoring, summer experiences like outdoor expeditions and college campus academic enrichment, and college advising to those who would otherwise never receive these experiences. Summer Search takes high potential, low-income youth and provides support to bolster their skills in facing life’s challenges. Ultimately, these students are empowered to break the cycle of poverty and give back to their communities as leaders.

In 2010, Summer Search Boston served 350 low-income high school students in Boston and surrounding low-income communities such as Chelsea and Malden. The students’ median family income was $24,739 for a family of four, and over 90% qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Summer Search's success rate speaks for itself:

• 100% of Summer Search students graduate from high school
• 97% go on to college
• 89% graduate from college, compared to 14% at Boston Public High Schools

In 2011, Summer Search aims to reach 375 low-income students in the Boston area and it is my goal to raise $7,000 to support them in their efforts. I hope you will join me in supporting this incredible organization by donating to my fundraising campaign. Let’s level the playing field for these kids.

To those in the Boston area on April 18th, I would love for you to come cheer me on as I tackle this dream of mine. Both the mission of Summer Search and the Boston Marathon are extremely important to me, and your support means so much to me.

Thank you so much!