Next weekend a push-chair duo competing in the 2014 Boston Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies Massachusetts will be selling bracelets after all masses at St. Mary’s. Masses are at 8:00 a.m, 10:15 a.m., and 12 noon.

Best Buddies is a global volunteer movement and non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development. More than 800,000 individuals across the globe and more than 5,600 throughout Massachusetts directly benefit from our programs.

Alosha “Big Al” O’Brien was born in Gomel, Belarus in 1984 and raised in an orphanage since 11 months old. He came to Milton, MA in 1997 through the Chernobyl Children’s Project and was supposed to stay for one month over the summer. He was allowed to extend his stay due to numerous ailments he would receive treatment for at Boston area hospitals.

During his extended stay, Alosha was enrolled at the Milton Public Schools and shortly thereafter began the process of adoption, officially becoming a part of the O’Brien Family in 2000! While at Milton High School, Alosha became a very active member of Best Buddies.

This past November, Craig Whelton and “Big AL” competed in the Manchester City (NH) Marathon. They completed the course in 4:30 and qualified to run the 2014 Boston Marathon as a duo.

Please consider supporting their efforts by purchasing a bracelet, making a donation next weekend or cheering Big AL and Pals on as they compete in the 2014 Boston Marathon on April 21.