Our Falmouth Road Race Debut . . .
If you read this post, then you know that August 17 will mark our very first year participating in the Falmouth Road Race. And yes – excitement levels are HIGH! As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and saving little lives, we’re beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of this inspiring event.
Of course, we’re especially thankful for the amazing individuals who are lacing up in support of our mission. With all six team members sharing a deeply personal connection to the milk bank, we’re fortunate to have such a motivated group helping to raise both funds and awareness for the thousands of babies relying on us. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to one half of this incredible team (stay tuned for part two). Read on to meet the moo-vers and shakers behind the miles . . .
Meet the Falmouth team – who’s running and why . . .
Name:
Allyson
Connection to the milk bank:
NICU Mom and Donor Milk Recipient
Why I run – in Allyson’s words:
In September 2023, my daughter Emma was born at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. During my pregnancy, we received the unexpected news that Emma had been diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Though she made it to full term at 38 weeks, she arrived tiny but mighty, weighing just 5 lbs 12 oz.
During our stay in the hospital, we were introduced to Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast and learned about donor breast milk. This incredible resource gave Emma the best possible start, providing her with the nourishment and strength she needed in those crucial early days.
Today, Emma is a thriving, energetic toddler. By race day, she will be just shy of her second birthday. Running the Falmouth Road Race for this amazing organization is my way of giving back and ensuring that other babies and families have access to the same life-changing support we received. Every donation helps provide safe, donor breast milk to fragile infants in need. Thank you for your support—it means the world to me, my family, and so many others!
Name:
Mandy
Connection to the milk bank:
Neonatologist Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast Medical Advisory Committee Member
Why I run – in Mandy’s words:
I am thrilled to run the Falmouth Road Race in support of Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast. In my practice as a neonatologist at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, my tiny patients rely on pasteurized donor milk from the milk bank. As a human milk researcher, I know that when mother’s milk is not available or is in short supply, donor milk is the next best choice. Milk is essential medicine.
I’ve also served on the milk bank’s Advisory Board for over a decade. and have never met a group of professionals more dedicated to helping mothers and babies. All the while, they continue to grow and improve the organization every day. I’m grateful for the opportunity to run the Falmouth Road Race and proud to fundraise for the milk bank.
Please consider making a donation to ensure that the tiniest babies in our community continue to have access to pasteurized donor milk. Your donation will make a difference.
Name:
Jesse
Connection to the milk bank:
Proud husband of milk donor, Melitizi
Why I run – in Jesse’s words:
This August, I’m running the Falmouth Road Race to support Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast, a nonprofit that provides safe, pasteurized donor breast milk to fragile and premature babies throughout the region. This cause is incredibly meaningful to me and my family.
Since our son was born, my wife has been able to produce more milk than he needed — something we’re both deeply grateful for. Through her commitment and consistency, she’s donated over 3,000 ounces of milk to Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast. I’ve watched how much intention and love she’s poured into this journey, and I’m in awe of her dedication.
This mission also feels personal to me as I spent time in the NICU as a newborn. While I obviously don’t remember those early days, I know how important donor milk can be for fragile infants. I also know how much it means to the families caring for them. Being part of this effort now, as a dad and a fundraiser, feels like a full-circle moment. I’d be honored if you would support my run and help give more babies the healthiest possible start to life.
If you’re feeling inspired . . .
Looking for ways to get involved and make a lasting difference for families in need? Click through for ideas — we’d love to hear yours too!
