Natick Resident Runs Marathon to Fight Stroke in Honor of His Wife

NATICK, MA — Michael Lawrence of Natick will be amongst thousands this April to run the 120th Boston Marathon.

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Lawrence will pace the grueling 26.2 miles along with Tedy’s Team, led by former New England Patriots linebacker and stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi, in hopes to put an end to stroke. Lawrence is running once again in honor of his wife and stroke hero, Devon, who suffered a stroke at 33-years old.

On the morning of Sept. 10, 2013, Devon woke up with a severe headache and was having difficulty processing simple thoughts. And shortly after 7 a.m., Devon was in the emergency room undergoing numerous tests to try and figure out what was going on. Later that day doctors told Devon that she had suffered a stroke caused by a hole in her heart that had previously gone undetected.

“I’m really proud of Devon for pushing herself every day to get to the point where she is after her stroke,” said Lawrence in a statement. “She’s a great mom to our two young children and a fantastic wife. Being on the team last year allowed for Devon to meet other stroke survivors who could relate to some of the same challenges she faces and we’re looking forward to continuing to be a part of the Tedy’s Team family and building on those past relationships.”

On Feb. 15, 2005, just weeks after winning his third Super Bowl and days after playing in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Tedy suffered a stroke at the age of 31. As he recovered, Tedy and his wife, Heidi, dedicated themselves to raising awareness of stroke and being advocates and inspiration for stroke survivors throughout Massachusetts, New England and all over the country.

Since its inception in 2005, Tedy’s Team has raised more than $3.5 million for stroke research and educational programs with the support and dedication of close to 1,000 participants. This year’s team of 40 runners is on track to raise $400,000. In addition to raising funds, Tedy’s Team continues to raise awareness of stroke and its warning signs and symptoms.

Later this month, Lawrence and his wife, Devon, will host a sports related day of fun to raise funds for Tedy’s Team and the American Stroke Association as well as awareness for stroke and its warning signs and symptoms. The event, which will be held on Feb. 27 at Longfellow Sports Club in Natick, will include two hours of activities on the indoor turf field for kids and their families.

Support Lawrence here.