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Three generations of family at Perkins inspire Lee Vollemans to run Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon isn’t just a race for Lee Vollemans. It’s a way to support Perkins, where three generations of her family helped kids who are blind.
For Lee Vollemans, this year’s Boston Marathon® is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to raise money for a cause near to her heart – Perkins, where three generations of her family have worked.
On April 20, Vollemans will be one of five runners on the Perkins charity team who will pound the pavement from Hopkinton to Boston to raise over $25,000 for people who are blind or visually impaired. Vollemans plans to raise $7,500.
Supporting Perkins is a family affair for Vollemans. Her mother, Marie Vollemans, has been a teacher at Perkins for more than 30 years, and as a child Vollemans used to come to campus to visit her.
“I grew up visiting her office and mobility classes, connecting with the students,” she said. “I want to run for Perkins because my mother does this work every day and I would be honored in having a small role is this meaningful mission.”
If that’s not enough, Vollemans’ grandmother also worked at Perkins, and Vollemans herself worked at Perkins when she was in college.
“I was always impressed by the staff’s dedication to the ultimate goal of independence (for students),” she said. “There has always been a special place in my heart for the school. I want to be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.”
Vollemans lives in Waltham, Massachusetts, and works for the Department of Homeland Security. She plays in a co-ed touch rugby league, and although she has run one half-marathon in Key West, Florida, this will be her first full marathon.
Vollemans said she’s running for her mother and all the other hard-working staff members at Perkins.
“I run for the Orientation and Mobility teachers, the vocational teachers and the clinicians – who are my heroes,” she said.
To support Vollemans’ Boston Marathon run and make a donation to Perkins, visit her secure fundraising page. All donations will fund Perkins’ on-campus, regional and international programs for children and adults who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities.
