By Ciro Valiente
Boston – Under the theme of “I Run 4 Latinos,” four Latino professionals from Boston will run the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 11 to raise money for Latinos Progresando, a non-profit organization that helps Latino immigrant families in Illinois.
Running in the marathon will be Luis Roman of Venezuelan origin, Puerto Rican Jessyca Feliciano, Mexican Irvin Gómez and Natalie Velásquez, a daughter of Colombian immigrants. They have been preparing arduously to accomplish their goal of finishing the race and helping Hispanic families in the process.
Roman ran the marathon on his own in 2014 for personal reasons. This year, he decided to support the Hispanic community which he said highly motivates him and gives him a great sense of responsibility.
“Last year I felt alone. The idea of running for this organization gives me a sense of purpose and I’m going to need that push to finish the marathon. With this slogan, I can run for Latinos for many years to come,” Roman said.
Gomez, who came to the United States with his family when he was 10, said he identifies with Latinos Progresando in their efforts to support the Hispanic community.
“I want to finish the race, but also wish to contribute to my community. I chose Latinos Progresando because they provide services and resources to families like mine,” Gomez said.
Latinos Progresando was founded in 1998 with one volunteer, one telephone and only $200 in its bank account. The organization has helped more than 25,000 families since those humble beginning.
“I’m passionate about promoting social justice and building a stronger community to guarantee equal access to all,” Feliciano said. “I want to raise awareness and help raise funds so Latinos Progresando can continue to work with the community,” she said.
Velasquez has always dreamt of running the marathon, but reservations prevented her from meeting that goal.
On Oct. 11, she will face the challenge head on with the extra motivation of knowing she will be helping the Latino community.
“The mission of Latinos Progresando fits perfectly with what I was looking for which is to provide the tools and resources needed for the community to progress,” Velasquez said. “That’s the push I needed to motivate myself and accomplish this goal.”
To donate to the four Boston Latinos who will “Run for Latinos” in Chicago, log on to www.latinospro.org.
[You could read the Spanish version here: Cuatro hispanos “correrán por latinos” en el Maratón de Chicago]
Ciro Valiente es Digital Media Editor en El Mundo Boston. Periodista venezolano residenciado en Boston. Motivador, productor y editor audiovisual. Sigue a Ciro Valiente en las redes sociales: Twitter e Instagram @ciroval5. Facebook: Ciro Valiente
