Allie Emond Runs The Boston Marathon

Hi, my name is Allie Emond. I am running the Boston Marathon in honor of my husband, Sergeant First Class Eric Michael Emond. Eric was killed on November 27, 2018, by an improvised explosive device during combat in Afghanistan. He was 39 years old. Our daughters were six, four, and one when he died.

Eric served over 21 years in the military, initially enlisting as a Marine before joining the army and becoming a Green Beret, serving in a total of seven combat deployments. Eric was previously injured during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, which should have medically retired him. He was able to rehabilitate himself enough to barely pass medical screenings to re-enlist because his duty to his country was not complete.

During Eric’s time recovering, he co-founded the very organization I will be running for - Massachusetts Fallen Heroes. Eric had a vision of creating an organization to support those people whom he felt should never be forgotten; their sacrifice never overlooked. Now, in an ironic way, the organization he helped create is supporting his own family.

My daughters and I have been on the receiving end of what Eric helped create. We have felt the unfaltering support and love of people who honor and respect the sacrifice Eric has given and feel a sense of pride to be part of such a strong group of people who make up the Gold Star community.

Last year I had the opportunity to run for this incredible organization. Participating in the Boston Marathon was a lifetime goal I would never have dreamed of achieving. The circumstances in which I participated were among the worst possible - the death of my husband and children’s father. It was not even a full five months after Eric’s death. The surge of emotion I felt returning to the city in which we called home and started our family was unreal and difficult to find words to describe. I can best describe it as going back in time, but everything is wrong. Going back to the city that brought so much joy and comfort without the person, I shared my life with made everything feel wrong.

Crossing the finish line on Boylston that day did not bring me a sense of accomplishment and pride most feel because I didn’t have Eric to share it with. I wanted to be strong for our daughters and show them how to carry on in the face of adversity but still felt so lost and hopeless.

This year’s race holds a very different feeling, one of excitement, anticipation, and hope for what’s to come in the future. I am stronger and feel a massive sense of pride representing an organization my husband helped create and would like to be a sense of hope for others who are walking, and will walk, this terrible journey of losing part of your family.

Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and Dan have stayed by our side every step of the way. I have seen the love and real understanding of other Gold Star Families. It is comforting to learn about the impact Eric has, whether direct or indirect, on other MFH families, and that his efforts continue to help so many. I want this love and support to carry on for our daughters and current and future Gold Star Families.

I want to keep my husband’s legacy alive.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story, and thank you to anyone who is donating to this wonderful charity organization.

With sincere thanks,

Allie Emond