By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Photo/submitted
Southborough – Ten supporters of the New England Center for Children (NECC), collectively known as Team NECC, fundraised for the Southborough-based nonprofit agency Aug. 16 by running the Falmouth Road Race. The team consisted of NECC teachers, parents of students, other supporters, and a particularly inspiring runner with a longtime connection with this autism research and education center.
Scott Lawson, a 46-year-old man with autism, has been living in NECC residential homes since age 12 and now participates in its adult program. He ran alongside his teacher and case manager Amanda Bullard. They each accepted the challenge to run their first seven-mile race, Bullard noted.
“Throughout the race, Scott was being really positive, keeping his stride and helping me keep my stride as well,” she said. “He was also very encouraging to other people on the team. A mother of a child with autism who goes to NECC said she would love for her son to one day be able to do what Scott is doing.”
On a hot and humid day, they completed the race in an hour and 14 minutes. The team raised over $11,600 so far. Lawson collected over $1,600. Donations are still being accepted through Monday, Sept. 14.
Within hours after launching his fundraising webpage, Lawson surpassed his original goal and received donations from each of his five former NECC case managers.
“As his case manager, I know that we’ve presented him with many challenges and he has been able to successfully overcome them,” Bullard said. “Scott has told me multiple times that he’s very thankful for all the wonderful people he’s met at NECC. He’s very social and involved with the school. He has reached many of his goals throughout the years and is continuing to do so.”
While Lawson frequently expresses his gratitude for the education he receives at NECC, his instructors and running partners acknowledge that they’ve learned valuable lessons from him.
“Even when you’re hot and sweaty, you’re tired and your limbs hurt, you can still keep pushing,” Bullard said. “You can defeat a challenge if you really put your heart into it – that’s the biggest inspiration other team members got from Scott for the race. Continuing to strive and never giving up is a really important aspect of his life, and it’s really encouraging for other people around him. It rubbed off on the other team members.”
For more information about NECC, visit necc.org. To donate to NECC on Scott Lawson’s fundraising webpage, visit bit.ly/1NdtN2g.
