Boston College '05 alum Patrick Downes has one of the most well-known survival stories from the 2013 Boston Marathon. Downes and his newlywed wife Jessica Kensky each lost a leg from the Marathon bombings, and their story of recovery and strength has been an inspiration to the entire region.
Downes ran yesterday's Marathon to raise money for the "Boston College Strong" scholarship, which seeks to fund a BC education for a student facing a physical disability.
Yesterday, Downes officially became the first Boston bombing amputee to finish the Boston Marathon, completing the race in 5:56:46.
As of Friday, Downes was at about 80% of his fundraising goal. $250,000 is needed to endow a scholarship at BC. You can help get the "BC Strong" scholarship over the finish line by donating here.
Congratulations to Downes on a job well done yesterday, and for taking this opportunity to serve others, truly living up to the University's Ignatian ideals.