Falmouth Road Race 2010
Kevin Bradley
Greetings! My name is Kevin L. Bradley and my day job is the Executive Director of the Genesis Club. My other job is now training, so I can finish the Falmouth Road Race.
I don’t run Falmouth because it is prestigious, difficult, hot, humid, crowded or exhausting. I run (actually jog) Falmouth for the following reasons. First, to help reduce the stigma of mental illness and to increase the awareness of International Clubhouse Programs such as the Genesis Club.
Team Genesis - August 15, 2010!
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I’m also running in memory of my dad, Eli Bradley. Eli was a long time summer resident of Cape Cod and loved the Falmouth Road Race. His favorite runner was Frank Shorter from Yale. (Falmouth winner 1975 & 76). Eli was also a strong supporter of the Genesis Club and our mission of supporting those with mental illness.
And lastly, thanks to my daughter Aidan, whose idea has created Team Genesis. Also a huge thank you to both the Shearer and Bradley family for opening their houses as headquarters for Team Genesis. It has indeed been a privilege for me to run with such a dedicated and courageous group of Genesis members and friends.
Making Strides for Mental Health at Falmouth.
Aidan S. Bradley
In August, I will run the Falmouth Road Race for the 5th time. It will be my 4rd year Making Strides for Mental Health on Team Genesis. Ever since I can remember Genesis has been a big part of my life, so has the
Cape. Some of you may already know my father, Kevin or feel like you know him from reading his bio above. If you have met him even briefly, then you already know how much pride and passion he has for The Genesis Club.
So let me tell you how we got started on this little Falmouth kick. My junior year at Northeastern University I had the wonderful experience of interning at The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and decided to run Falmouth to raise money for the cause. Being the supportive father that he is my dad ran every step of the 7.2 mile race with me in the summer
heat. My grandfather, Dadda watched so proudly at mile 5.5 with the rest of the Bradley clan. His face lit up to see his son and granddaughter run by together for a great cause.
That winter Dadda passed away at age 90. Shortly after my father and I developed Team Genesis in his loving memory. Dadda was always a huge enthusiast of The Genesis Club and the impact it has on people struggling with mental illness. Now, each August Dad and I line up in Woods Hole along with 12,000 other runners and ask ourselves why the
hell we are doing this again. When we hit mile 5.5, it all makes complete sense knowing we have one more fan looking down on us.
Please take the time to donate, support or just get to know Team Genesis. We all run for different reasons, but we all run together to Make Strides for Mental Health. Here's to a successful Falmouth!
Ed Sanborn
I am interested in running the Falmouth road race this year because it is such a challenge, but most of all because it is so much fun. Every year we run the race there is so much comradery between the members and staff it brings us all so much closer together. I have made so many new friends because the Falmouth Road Race brings us all together and we get to know each other more and then we become friends and the friendship lasts throughout the year. Training for Falmouth also keeps us in great shape by giving us a goal to strive for and to keep training for. I guess you could say I just run for the health and fun of it.
John Gasperski
My name is John and I would like to just take a moment to give a little insight as to why I'm participating in this year's Falmouth Road Race. Well first off I have to admit exercise was never on top of my to do list, so it is safe to say the past few years were more of a sedative life style, considering the medications I've been on. It's proven with all the added benefits prescriptions have, they are not without their side effects, and the leading downside to the meds is weight gain and lethargic, and in some cases diabetes! So there is only one cure as we all know which is exercise. I started the Genesis Wellness team in an attempt to tone up, trim down and most importantly get myself on the right track, and I did that. This left me feeling grateful and proud that I could be a part of something so helpful. That's why when I heard there was a big benefit race with money going to my clubhouse, without hesitation, I automatically agreed to do it. Also this major event gives me just another reason to increase the progress of my well-being. So it goes without saying I will be trained and ready to be part of this great honor. Thanks again for everyone's support!!!
Wendy Burdett
My name is Wendy and I have run the Falmouth Road Race for the past two years, as a Genesis Member. I had run in high school and college, and always tried to stay active. I joined the Genesis Club in May of 2006, after my depression worsened. With the club's help, I completed and received a Medical Office Business Certificate and am currently employed by UMass Memorial Hospital.
When I started running again in 2006, I wanted to be able to just run a 5k. I thought that this would be a good goal. There were also the benefits of feeling better physically and emotionally. After I ran Falmouth for the first time in August of 2007, I felt on top of the world. I had surpassed my goal of running a 5k. There was also the friendships I made and still have. I am looking forward to running Falmouth this August with Team Genesis.
Martin Dives - Board Chair, International Center for Clubhouse Development
I have not run a road race in over 25 years but how could I refuse Kevin's generous invitation to join Team Genesis this year? It will be an opportunity to share a special occasion with special people. Also to support the great work you have all done in promoting the importance of well being and exercise for everyone in the Clubhouse. I am really looking forward to joining you!
Chelsea Graves
My name is Chelsea Graves. For the past two years, I have run the Falmouth Road Race in support of the Genesis Club. I became involved with the club at a young age because Kevin Bradley is my neighbor and practically my second father. I run the Falmouth Road Race both because I love running and because I have grown up aside Kevin’s passion for his work at the Genesis Club – come January, it seems to be the only thing he is willing to talk about. Kevin has helped me grow as an overall individual and I view the Falmouth Road Race as my way to thank him for all he has done for me. This race has become a major part of my life. Over the years, I have met and become close with many members, even writing my college admissions essay about a fellow Falmouth runner. Although at moments during this race, I seriously question why I put myself through what I call “The Falmouth Death Race,” I know in the end that I am running for a great cause and aiding in the success of the Genesis Club.
Michael Weinberg
In 1997 I graduated from Anna Maria College and soon started working in retail and UPS. I always exercised in college but eventually stopped. When I stopped exercising my mental illness seemed to get the best of me, and soon after this, I was hospitalized for the first time with psychiatric symptoms. After that period, 20 hospitalizations occurred with 50 shock treatments. I would spend months at a time in my hospital room.
In 1999, I found Genesis Club and have not returned to the hospital in six years. However, due to my anxieties and agoraphobia, I would only exercise at home. Finally, I joined the Genesis Wellness program after the continuing urging of Ed Shindle. Also at that time, I was at risk of being homeless and Genesis found housing for me.
I now have my own apartment, run for Team Genesis and help other members in their Wellness goals. Even though it is difficult to run with a major mental illness, I now love to train hard and to compete. But my real reason that I run is to remain healthy and stay out of the Health Care system. In my first Falmouth race I was running in memory of my Mom and Dad whose final resting place is on Cape Cod. I finished 108th with a time of 40:58.
Michael Fay
I am thrilled to be joining Team Genesis for my second year running the Falmouth Road Race.
My uncle Michael dedicated countless hours volunteering with Genesis Club. Sadly, winter (2009), he passed from this life. We all miss his camaraderie and his uniquely positive outlook on life, and I am honored to be carrying on his legacy with this wonderful organization.
I am proud to represent Genesis Club again this year at the Falmouth Road Race and will be asking for donations that will serve to make a difference for individuals coping with mental illness.
If you are wondering why I am starting my fundraising so early this year -- my goal is a WHOPPING $5,000. Together we can reach this goal and make a difference in real lives. So, please donate, and join me this August in beautiful Falmouth!
Last Year I raised about $1,000.00! This year's goal is a SHOCKING $5,000.00! Hope to see you all there cheering me on!!
Tom Pier
Hello! Thanks for taking the time to review the Genesis Club web site. My name is Tom Pier and I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Genesis Club and a proud member of Team Genesis. On August 9, 2009 I will be running in the Falmouth Road Race for the second time. I am looking forward to another great day, running in the race and raising awareness of organizations like the Genesis Club that provide such amazing support services for people with mental illness.
I became involved with the Genesis Club through my employer, Saint-Gobain Abrasives/Norton Abrasives. I was immediately drawn to sense of community among members, staff and the board. The benefits of belonging to the club are evident when you hear the members talk about their stories and how their lives have been positively impacted.
It is with pride that I run Falmouth for Team Genesis. Thanks for your support!
Ed Shindle
Hello. I was "introduced" to the Falmouth Road Race during a summer visit to my sister's North Falmouth Cape house in 1976. We went down to the Falmouth Heights finish line to watch the final sprint down the hill. Being a high school runner at the time, watching my "running" heroes, Bill Rogers, Frank Shorter, Craig Virgin and Joan Benoit, was a thrill of a life time. I was instantly hooked! The very next year, I was "toeing" the line with my "running heroes" at the start of the 1977 Falmouth Road Race.
What keeps me coming back year after year? Is it the thrill of running with the world's elite? Is it the challenge of competing in the most extreme weather conditions that the Cape can offer? Or is it the knowledge that I will soon be in extreme pain from the effort? Well, probably a little bit of all of the above!
Also, what brings me back these days is the honor of running along side staff, members and friends of Genesis Club. It is my way of giving back a little and showing others how grateful I am for what running has given to me. The Genesis Club's Wellness Program is second to none, and I'm sure there will be many more Falmouth Road Races for our members in the years to come.
Michael DeCoste
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to run for Genesis Club at a prestigious race such as Falmouth. As members of Team Genesis, we are all helping a noble cause and fighting a formidable opponent in mental illness. I am personally running in memory of a good friend from college who recently passed away. He was one of the most intelligent, caring, passionate, and truly remarkable people I had the honor of counting among my friends, but fell victim to the personal horrors of severe depression. He took his own life several weeks ago and since we were former teammates on the Brown University Cross Country team, I think it is a fitting tribute to join Team Genesis and build awareness for those among us like my good friend, Landon. I look forward to donning the Team Genesis singlet and taking to the streets of Falmouth in memory of Landon and in support of mental health.
Team Genesis Bios
The reasons why they run vary in many ways. Please take a minute to read the stories below as they are a great representation of the heart and soul of this team. If you are on Team Genesis and wish to submit your story please email it to kbradley@genesisclub.org
2010 Team Genesis
Our Community
Well we did IT! Falmouth 2010 is now in the Genesis Club lore. All 21 members who toed the line in Woods Hole crossed the finish line in Falmouth Heights. Katie Carlson was our top finisher at 48:51 and 5th in her class. Well done Katie. She was followed by Ed ShindLE 52:12; Ed Carlson 52:17; Matthew Knight 53:58-barefoot; Jay Thistle 54:40.
Ed Sanborn was the first Genesis member to finish 1:01:27 followed by John Gasperski 1:05, Laurie Sturm 1:31 and Wendy Burdett 1:40.
Ryan Nixon 56:17 traveled the furthest from Philly. Jeff Hall encountered the most difficulties on race day but finished in good order. We had nine runners finish in under one hour – very impressive. We had 3 states and 10 Mass towns represented. And Congrads to our first time runners of Joel Corcoran, Ben Dagget, Megan Doherty, Diane George, Jeff Hall, Matt Knight, Ravi Krishnaswami, Brain McCann and Jay Thistle.
We had several runners unable to join us, (congratulations Bob Caron) newborn, illness (Sean Carrol) and employment (Sam Landsman). And a big thanks to elite runner Chelsea Graves who stay in the pack and guided Kevin B. to his fastest time in four tries.
Even more impressive: At last count we have raised $27,711. Our top fundraiser is Michael Fay $4,650. Well done Michael. He was followed by Kevin Bradley $1,950 (plus sponsorhips); Jeff Hall $1,700; Katie Carlson $1,285, and co founder-Aidan Bradley $1,050.
The dollars raised by these 25 runners of Team Genesis means 12-15 individual with mental illness will be able to participate in the Wellness Program of exercise, nutrition and tobacco cessation.
Team Genesis continues to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. A huge thanks to Gail Blakely, the Shearer and Bradley family for hosting and lodging Team Genesis.Plus our sponsors St. Vincents Hospital, the Stangle Family, Rotmans, Chartwells, NAMI, ICCD, UMass Medical School and Saint Gobain who generated $7,000.
If interested in joining these this unique and dedicated group of runners and joggers for the 2011 Falmouth Road Race please contact Kevin Bradley at kbradley@genesisclub.org
Kevin
