Race for Ryan's Cup to be Held on Sept. 19

When Barbara and Jeff Apostolakes got a phone call on June 24, 2003 explaining their son had drowned in Heart Pond, they did not believe what they heard.

Three-year-old Ryan had been left in the care of a 34-year-old babysitter, who left him alone at the pond. Her decision to take her eyes off of Ryan devastated the Apostolakes family and many Chelmsford emergency personnel who just couldn't save him.

Through Ryan's death, his parents have become not only more connected to the community, but more connected to Heart Pond. The Apostolakes' along with their daughters Samantha and Victoria are now Open Space Stewards for the site, maintaining the site by picking up trash and clearing brush.

"We know it wasn't the water that took Ryan, it was a poor decision," said Jeff Apostolakes.

Turning the site of a tragedy into something positive has been like therapy for the family, who now feels more connected to Ryan than ever because of it.

"We were blessed that our paths crossed with his for three and a half years," said Jeff Apostolakes. "We wouldn't have it any other way"

The Apostolakes' know that Ryan was there to teach them life lessons about unconditional love – Ryan told everyone, even strangers he loved them – and about overcoming obstacles in life.

Through their grief, The Apostolakes' decided to organize a road race to benefit the Chelmsford Police and to purchase life-saving defibrillators around town. If the Road Race provides enough help to save one life, said Jeff Apostolakes, that's good enough for him.

"We saw police officers tear up the day (Ryan died)," he said. "We wanted to give back to them."

Coming to terms with their child's death is still difficult, but the Apostolakes' know Ryan is still around – they just have to communicate with him differently.

 "It's an internal decision, we deal with the loss every day," said Barbara Apostolakes. "But the race we organize keeps Ryan with us."

Last year, more than 250 people ran the Run for Ryan's Cup. The Apostolakes' also make race day about family fun day and community gathering. Plenty of children activities, including a fun run, a cookout and a bouncy house, are included in the race day activities.

Police Chief James Murphy said he loves to attend the event, which helps the community purchase emergency equipment, assist the Chelmsford Police Athletic Association and preserve open space.

Murphy said many of those who responded to Ryan's drowning are still affected by his death, especially those officers who are younger and have kids of their own, he said. The run is a great way to honor Ryan, said Murphy.

"It's a really good event, and the (proceeds) come right back to the community," he said. "It's a fun run and a fun day."

This year, The Run for Ryan's Cup will be on Sept. 19. at the Chelmsford Elks Lodge. To register, visit http://www.rda-fund.org/default.htm. The race is the same day as a blood drive to benefit Alexandra Ullom, also to be held at the Chelmsford Elks.

Be sure to check the Running Around Chelmsford column after the race. Local Editor Krista Perry will run the race in honor of Ryan and write about the experience.