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Norwood man competes in Boston Marathon for autism awareness; plans June ‘Piece By Piece 5K Walk/Run’

Posted 4/18/18

By MATT LINDSEY NORWOOD -- A Norwood man competed in the Boston Marathon on Monday in an effort to spread autism awareness. Travis DiPalma says he uses marathons as a way to educate others, learn and …

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Norwood man competes in Boston Marathon for autism awareness; plans June ‘Piece By Piece 5K Walk/Run’

Posted

By MATT LINDSEY

NORWOOD -- A Norwood man competed in the Boston Marathon on Monday in an effort to spread autism awareness.

Travis DiPalma says he uses marathons as a way to educate others, learn and raise money for autism research.

DePalma, who ran his first marathon as a challenge to himself for his 30th birthday, signed up for the Chicago Marathon and joined Team Up after his son was diagnosed with autism. Money raised by Team Up runners fund research, family services, and awareness and advocacy.

“To be honest, our family had a difficult time during the period where we were getting my son tested,” he said. “His autistic behaviors in a public setting drew the unwelcome stares and comments from some in the community.”

DiPalma said he wanted to participate in a world-class event where he could talk with others about autism, and how it has impacted his son and the family.

“I wanted to lead a change, however small that may be,” he said. The Boston Marathon was his fifth marathon on behalf of Team Up.

“It's the most prestigious and iconic marathon in the world,” he said. “It's a dream come true for me.”

DiPalma’s son Parker, 6, loves to run too. “He is also at the age where he is into monster trucks and loves going to Monster Jam events and Pokemon to name a few,” the father said.

Parker loves it seeing his father run in the events and has attended most of the major marathons.

“He loves cheering on not only myself, but all the runners,” DiPalma said. “I don't think he quite comprehends that I am doing it for him at his current age, but he loves going to races.”

When it is possible, DiPalma likes to get his son involved in races too

“In the past, I have chosen races that allow him to participate as well, whether through special kids races or by allowing him to run across the finish line with me,” he said.

DiPalma’s wife, Jennifer, is also a Team Up member and will run the 2018 Chicago Marathon representing Team Up. She completed her first marathon last fall in Chicago.

“She did not run the Boston Marathon on Monday but was there with the kids along the course, proudly representing the autism community,” DiPalma said.

The couple also has a 3-year old daughter, Peyton.

For this year’s event, DiPalma raised over $6,700 with a goal of $7,500 by the end of April, Autism Awareness month. Since 2015 when he began running for Team Up, and together with his wife's efforts, combined they have raised over $16,000. In 2017, Team Up participants around the world raised over $600,000.

Team Up with Autism Speaks is the endurance program dedicated to raising funds to support the mission of Autism Speaks through participation in marathons, half marathons, 10K's 5K's, triathlons and other endurance events in the United States and around the world.

DiPalma is also the organized of the 4th annual family-friendly “Piece By Piece 5K Walk/Run.” The event returns June 16 and will be held at the Remington Recreation Trail in Canton.

Registration the day of will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and the cost is $25. Walkers will start at 8:45 a.m., and runners at 9 a.m.

Food, refreshments and awards will follow the conclusion of the race. People can sign up now at www.runsignup.com; just search for "Piece by Piece 5K'.

“Our event has raised over $7,300 in it's first three years and we have seen increases of 39 percent from year 1 to year 2, and a 63 percent increase from year 2 to year 3,” DiPalma said.