3 Down, 19 to Go: New Milford Assistant Principal Vows to Run 22 Marathons in Honor of Infant Daughter

NEW MILFORD, CT-- A New Milford Assistant Principal is sharing a heartbreaking and inspirational message of resilience after losing his infant daughter at 22 weeks.

Dr. Christopher Longo, Assistant Principal at Schaghticoke Middle School, is an avid runner and is using his experience in writing and passion for running to help get through one of the hardest times of his life. On New Year’s Day their family endured a devastating loss. Their baby girl died unexpectedly at a 22-week ultrasound appointment in utero.

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Dr. Longo wrote on his blog:

“For months, my wife would whisper the words “little one” in a calm, soothing, and charming voice. It brought smiles to all our faces in thinking that we would have a little sister for our boys. This week, we have struggled to find strength in such a tragic loss to our family. Our “little one” became our “little angel” hence the chosen name, Angelina. In addition to the support we continue to receive from our family and friends, I also personally look at other ways to find resilience.”

Longo told Patch, “My goal is 22 marathons before I die.” So far he has run three and has 19 to go.

So far Longo has run the Hamptons marathon, the Albany marathon and the Rock 'n Roll marathon in Washington, D.C. On Sunday he will run in North Kingstown, RI. After that he takes on the New Jersey marathon and the Gate City marathon in Nashua, NH.

"I have also been accepted into the NYC marathon in November and I'm planning on going to Chicago," Longo told Patch.

“No matter what adversity we face in our lives, we must develop the quality of resilience and the most important method to do so is to involve a group of people who support each other. Whether it be family and friends or a school overall, resilience carries us through.”

Dr. Longo said he intends to live the word "resilience" in his current administrative role, his marathon training and in life overall.

“ In reflecting on our family’s misfortune, strength will come from it. During my marathon training in 2016, Angelina’s footprints will be hanging from my laces, with me every step I take. As a life goal, I intend to run 22 marathons to represent the 22 weeks of joy that our family experienced before saying goodbye to our baby girl.”

Longo was a full scholarship student track runner, coach, educator and parent who says he never gave up and will never give up no matter how dark his days may seem. He shares his inspirational message on his blog. Click here to read more.