On Patriots Day my kids and I walked up to Mile 17 of the Boston Marathon course – the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Washington Street. This right turn is one of the few turns on the course and is quickly followed by the first hill of “Heartbreak Hill.”
It was a beautiful day and there was a big crowd along the course. I felt like a slug watching the runners go by. I feel this way every year – except in 2005 when I ran the marathon myself and finished in 4:10 – almost the exact time on Monday that an explosion ripped through the crowd at the finish line.
Sadly, you know the rest of the story as well as I do. Here’s how you can help.
- Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino have announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, Inc. to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013.
- The Salvation Army was quick to respond after the tragedy. They sent two mobile kitchens to support families and emergency responders with food, drinks, and crisis counseling. The Army and the American Red Cross have continued to support victims, their families and
- Buy a Boston Strong tee. Created by students at Boston’s Emerson College, they’ve sold, 500 and raised $40,000. All proceeds benefit The One Fund Boston. emergency responders.
- To purchase other items that benefit the victims, or for information on places where you can make a donation, check out my Support the Victims of the Boston Bombing Pinterest board.
These are just a few ways you can help. But the bombing can also help you as it offers another lesson on how people and companies should respond after a tragedy.
I first heard about the bombing as I was unpacking my laptop for an afternoon of work at my local Starbucks. Within minutes I was on Twitter reading about the unfolding tragedy. Between tweets on reports that organizers had halted the race and gruesome details of the injuries, I saw this tweet.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. As people lay bleeding on Boylston Street in Boston, this person or company behind this tweet was fishing for retweets. Shortly afterward, Twitter suspended the account.
You should also beware of malicious hackers and fundraising scammers that inevitably try to capitalize on any highly emotional/crisis situation. Learn more about how to protect yourself and make sure your donations are truly going to support the cause.
A while later, I saw this tweet from a doggy daycare business in my town. They responded with humanity.
Here was a business that was helping – instead of trying to help itself. This is how to respond to a tragedy. It’s also where I plan to leave my dog the next time we go away.
And, thanks Lace Up For Boston participants for showing support, love and solidarity by wearing your running shoes to work today!
