National Braille Press Announces 2017 Boston Marathon Team

National Braille Press (NBP) announced today that Ilana Meyer of Rochester, MN and Marissa Sullivan of Hingham, MA have volunteered to run the 2017 Boston Marathon in support of braille literacy. Thanks to a partnership with John Hancock’s Non-Profit Program, NBP received two entry bibs for the 121st Boston Marathon, which will take place Monday, April 17, 2017.

“We are honored once again to be participating in this year’s Boston Marathon thanks to John Hancock’s Non-Profit Program,” said Brian Mac Donald, President of National Braille Press. “We hope there will be a lot of enthusiasm and support for Ilana and Marissa. By supporting our runners, you are helping to put books in the hands of blind children and adults!”

In preparation for the race, Meyer and Sullivan will spend their winter training in the cold, rain and snow while raising money to help further promote the importance of braille literacy. The funds they raise will help NBP continue to support a lifetime of opportunity for blind children and adults through braille literacy, and provide access to information that empowers blind people to engage in work, family and community affairs.

“I have seen first-hand the remarkable things NBP as accomplished to further promote braille literacy,” said Marissa Sullivan. “Knowing that the funds I raise will help promote a tool that allows the blind and visually impaired to actively engage in work, family and community affairs will help motivate me to get to the finish line.”

“We as a society have a moral obligation to ensure that every child has access to books,” said Ilana Meyer. “I hope to aid in raising awareness and participate in a small way to work towards improving literacy for blind children.”

About National Braille Press

A non-profit braille publisher and producer of braille products, National Braille Press promotes literacy for blind children through outreach programs and provides access to information by producing information in braille for blind children and adults. For more information visit www.nbp.org