ew Balance and the Red Sox organization are teaming up to help out veterans returning from war. This May, the second annual 'Run To Home Base Presented By New Balance' kicks off in Boston. The 9K race winds throughout the city and ends with runners crossing the finish line at home plate in Fenway Park.
The annual race will raise nearly $3 million for veterans. The proceeds from the race benefit soldiers who are returning home from combat in Afghanistan in Iraq-veterans like Sergeant Eric Emond.
Sergeant Emond, a former Marine who entered the Army Special Forces branch, has received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. For one Bronze Star, he was awarded a 'V' device for valor. He was seriously wounded when his unit came under attack by Afghan insurgents in a battle which lasted five hours. As a result of the engagement, Sergeant Emond was seriously wounded, suffering brain and spine injuries. He spent seven months in Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He has since recovered from his wounds.
“There are a lot of service men and women who are struggling with their injuries who need to know there is a team behind them when they get home,” Emond said in a press release.
The race takes place on May 22. The proceeds will support clinical treatment for veterans returning with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, as well as their families. Last year's event raised $2.5 million.
“The Run to Home Base is a great opportunity for fans to show their support for the many heroic servicemen and -women and their families who have sacrificed and served all of us,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said on the 'Dennis & Callahan' morning show on WEEI and NESN.
According to an article about the event on MLB.com, in New England alone, approximately 50,000 veterans are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder as well as traumatic brain injuries.
Approximately 2,500 runners are expected to take part in the race, which is held before the finale of a three-game weekend series between the Cubs and Red Sox. Participants must be at least 16 years old and must raise $1000 to take part in the race.
