Stepping Up For Sue

The wind was (maybe) the biggest blow in Tyngsboro on Saturday when nearly 200 people stepped up to log the miles around the Notre Dame Academy track in memory of Susan (Scanlon) Bradley who passed away last summer after valiantly fighting brain cancer.

Admittedly, more than a few people were more than wee bit concerned when we arrived to see javelin practice underway on the track.  It had all the makings of a Hunger Games competition.

So as the supporters began flocking in and lining up to buy their tee-shirts, make their donations, and hit up the raffle tables, a foolhardy group of E Streeters decided to log a few miles around town.

Proof that Scott, will indeed, run in Tyngsboro.

We had to allow Carlos to take the town line, seeing as how it's the town he patrols and keeps safe from all those Westford hooligans

But to get INTO a town, you have to get back out, and Carlos' streak was brought to a heartbreaking end, as a new Town Line victor emerged.  Who could that be?

Back at the track, it was time to get the walk-a-thon underway.  After, of course, an obligatory E Streeters group picture, which was missing a number of key participants who had other last-minute tasks to take care of before the opening gun.

The windswept morning also featured the reunion of three best buds from St. Joseph's Regional High School.  Brings back memories of Luke, Laura, Beecher's Corner, and the Ice Princess!

With inspirational words from Sue's daughters Mikaela and Lauren, the wild and woolly walkers were off!

The horde

You think these folks have their hands in their pockets because it was fashionable?  Wrong.  They were freezing.

These mugs apparently thought it was a STAND-a-thon 

Afterwards, it was raffle time, and E Streeter offspring held their own.  Heather got her spa treatment, and Finn, well, let's just say the lottery commission is still looking into that last second victory!

All around, a fabulous morning for family, and friends, and a great tribute to a super woman who's missed by everyone.

From the event's Facebook page:

Sue passed away from a Glioblastoma, a type of malignant brain tumor.  The Walk-A-Thon was organized as a way to remember and honor all the wonderful things she did for so many, while also allowing her family to give back to the community.

Susan was a big advocate of education her entire life.  She worked in the school systems for 25 years and was also very involved in the schools her children attended.  The funds raised at the Walk-A-Thon will be applied toward the Susan Bradley Scholarship set up at the Academy of Notre Dame so that even in her absence, she will continue to give back to others.

To find out more about Susan, the scholarship, or to make a donation, check out the scholarship's website here: Sue's NDA Page

We miss you, Sue!  It won't come as a surprise that your family kept their bad jokes running throughout the Walk-A-Thon in your memory!