Marathoners reach running and fundraising goals for Merrimack Valley Credit Union

LAWRENCE, MA – Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union is celebrating its runners who completed the 2014 Boston Marathon and raised more than $20,000 toward Credit Unions Kids at Heart’s donation to Boston Children’s Hospital. “I’m incredibly proud of our Credit Union staff and members for supporting our marathon runners,” said Merrimack Valley CEO and President Peter Matthews. “Their selflessness and commitment is a huge part of how Merrimack Valley is able to give back to its community.”Neither of the team members representing Merrimack Valley had ever run a marathon before. They have spent the past several months training and anxiously anticipating the big day. Merrimack Valley branch manager Carrie Fitzgerald of Haverhill finished the race in just over four hours and 16 minutes. K.C. Godin crossed the finish line with a time of 5:17:20. “I was inspired to take on this challenge because there are children and families facing much more daunting circumstances than deciding whether they can run 26 miles,” said Carrie. “This was a chance for me to help and be part of the care they receive.” Carrie also knows the value of the resources Boston Children’s Hospital provide to families. Her son was diagnosed with autism at Children’s 19 years ago. Carrie’s patient partner was three-year-old Collin, who currently is being treated at Children’s for kidney-related health issues he’s had since birth. He is the son of another Merrimack Valley branch supervisor in Lawrence.K.C. ran for two-year-old Jackson, who suffered a stroke last year.  He was diagnosed with Moyamoya syndrome, a disease in which certain arteries in the brain are constricted, and blood flow is blocked.  Today, Jackson is on the road to a full recovery, thanks in part to the expert treatment available to him at Boston Children’s Hospital and Spaulding Rehab. “I am grateful for Merrimack Valley’s sponsorship and giving me this opportunity to support people in need,” said K.C. “Jackson is my hero for providing me with the motivation to train and then push through to the finish line.”All year long, Merrimack Valley staff and members provide financial assistance to local children’s charitable organizations, including Boston Children’s Hospital, the Professional Center for Childhood Development in Andover, MA, and the Joe Andruzzi Foundation for children with cancer.