Malden Native Set To Run For YMCA's Boston Marathon Team

MALDEN, Mass. | Jolene Visconti, 40, understands firsthand the importance and impact that the YMCA of Greater Boston can have on a family. Seven years ago, Visconti and her husband, Nino, took in her nine-year-old nephew, Michael, when her sister was no longer able to care for him. At the time, Visconti said she and her husband were caring for her own 19-year old son, and his 22-year old daughter from a previous marriage. With both parents working full time, and a full house at home they turned to the East Boston YMCA for childcare and support, and they ended up getting so much more.

Michael attended the afterschool program at the East Boston YMCA until he reached the age of 12. Too old for daycare, and too young for employment, the Y guided him through his tween years allowing him to serve as a volunteer counselor until this past summer, when he turned 16, holding his first official summer position at the Y.

The Y also granted Michael a full scholarship to North Woods Camp in New Hampshire for two years at no cost. During the two-week sessions at North Woods Camp, Michael was immersed in the great outdoors where he unplugged from technology and took part in activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, and creating shelter.

It is because of all of these opportunities that Visconti will lace up to run and raise money as a member of the YMCA of Greater Boston Marathon team. She considers her participation a “thank you” to the East Boston YMCA for helping to support her nephew for the last seven years through its teen programming and financial support.

All funds raised by Y Marathon team members will support the YMCA of Greater Boston’s teen programs. This past summer the YMCA of Greater Boston gave out 15,000 free three-month memberships to teens at the Y’s 13 branches with unlimited access and held more than 900 community events. Programs like Safe Dating, Cyber Bulling, Job Readiness, Volunteerism, Leadership, SAT prep and mentoring programs empower and engage youth in productive ways.

“When Michael is at the Y I know he is safe, engaged and getting the homework help he needs – it’s a relief for a working mom,” says Visconti. “I’m only able to take on the Marathon because of my incredible family helping out around the house and being such a great support system.”

Visconti’s family has also been helping with her fundraising. With her family and friends spreading the word through social media her son has been helping to sell tickets for her upcoming fundraiser, a comedy show in Saugus. So far, Visconti has raised $5,000 out of her $8,000 goal.

“The funds raised through our Boston Marathon team are crucial in helping to meet the growing demands of our teen population,” says James O’S. Morton, CEO and President of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “This past summer was our busiest to date with each of our branches creating programming to fit the needs of the youth in their neighborhoods. YMCA of Greater Boston’s teen programming is an invaluable resource for the youth of our city, keeping them off the streets, out of trouble, and engaged in productive and educational activities.”

To prepare for the big day, Visconti is hitting the pavement four to six days a week, taking shorter runs by herself on weekdays and one long run on Saturdays with a group that includes her teammates. She has made friends from various other teams that will also be running in the Marathon.

Taking care of her mind and body, Visconti tries to sleep eight hours a night, stay hydrated, and eat as clean as possible, consuming vegetables, whole grains and carbs and avoiding fast food and anything high in fat. Allowing herself one cheat day a week, she indulges in a steak dinner with a loaded potato and glass of wine on Saturday nights, as a reward for completing her long runs.

“The YMCA has been a huge help to my family, and to my nephew in particular,” says Visconti. “Running for the Y and raising money is such a great way to give back to a wonderful cause.”

Runners who have qualified to receive a Boston Marathon bib and would like to experience the comradery of running with a team while supporting charity are welcome to join the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Marathon team. Runners must raise a minimum of $1,500. For more information on how you can join the team or how to support the runners, email ymarathonteam@ymcaboston.org to learn more about YMCA’s marathon runners visit, ymcaboston.org/boston-marathon-team. #RunYMCA

For more information about Visconti, or to donate to her upcoming run in the Boston Marathon, click here.