Bedard Running Boston for Best Buddies

Peabody native Mike Bedard is running the Boston Marathon this year to support Best Buddies Massachusetts, a nonprofit that works with students who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. And he, in turn, is supported by some of the Peabody students who benefit from the program.

Higgins Middle School students in the local Best Buddies chapter welcomed Bedard for a visit recently and made some banners and friendship bracelets to send off with him on his 26.2-mile journey. There was also ice cream courtesy of Treadwell's owner and city councilor Tom Gould.

“As a lifelong Peabody resident, I’m thrilled to be running to support a program that helps so many kids right here in our community,” said Bedard.

“Visiting the school and seeing what a great time all the students are having will stick with me, and motivate me through all those miles,” he said.

This is the first year of the Best Buddies program in Peabody, but state director Craig Welton says it's quickly become one of the strongest middle school chapters in Massachusetts.

The program matches students with and without disabilities together in one-on-one friendships based on shared interests and includes monthly activities for the buddies with the goal of making school more inclusive for all students.

Welton said the Higgins chapter has engaged nearly 50 students and made headway on being more inclusive, which is all thanks to the leadership of teachers Kate O’Brien and Julie Donnelly and IEP Chairperson Michelle Fine.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt accompanied Bedard and Gould for the visit.

“It gives me tremendous pride to know that Peabody students are leading by example, and helping to make a significant difference in the [lives] of others,” said Bettencourt.

Bedard, who is part of a 15-member team, reports the team is now 48 percent to its fundraising goal of $120,000. You can check out the team page here.

"With your help and my sore legs I hope we can make a difference. Please help by making a contribution and I promise to do my best to cross the finish line in under ten hours," Bedard writes.

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Are you running Boston this year? What cause are you supporting? Email us a picture of yourself at peabody@patch.com along with a brief introduction of who you are and why you're running a marathon.