One year ago today, Boston was rocked by one of the worst tragedies yet- two bombings that killed three and injured more than 260 brave Americans. Fast forward a year, though, and the spirit of Boston is more pronounced than ever- a town full of perseverance, hope, and strength.
Father son duo Dick and Rick Hoyt are one such example of the #BostonStrong spirit.
Son Rick suffers from cerebral palsy and is therefore unable to engage in physical activity, such as running. Moved by a charity race for a paralyzed lacrosse player at his school, Rick asked his father if they could run it together. Dick and Rick ran that race – and so many more- together, with Dick pushing Rick along in a wheelchair wagon type device.
The father son team has competed in almost every single Boston Marathon since 1981 to raise money for charity. Last year was supposed to be the last year they would run in the race, as Dick is 74 years old, but tragedy struck and they were not able to cross the finish line- though they were only a mile away.
"As soon as the bombing happened, I just said ‘We gotta do it one more time for these people,’" Dick told NBC’s Natalie Morales.
Sixteen people lost limbs at the Boston Marathon bombings and have been brave in their journeys to recovery.
Celeste Corcoran lost both of her legs and her daughter, Sydney, was critically injured.
Corcoran described her journey since the tragedy, "Eventually, you know, you come out on the other side and life goes on."
Jeff Bauman was also rocked by the bombing- he lost both of his legs as well. Tragedy could not out shine his bright future, though- he is expecting a baby and will be getting married. He is using his experience with using prosthetics to become an advocate for the creation and advancement of new and better prosthetics. "Help keep the ball rolling with the prosthetics and keep pumping out new technology," he said of his newfound mission.
Brothers JP and Paul Norden each lost a limb at the Boston Marathon bombing. They have not let the tragedy stop them. "Hopefully I get to play basketball in August- that’s my goal," said Paul. "Every day for us has gotten better and better. We really do feel thankful and grateful," added J.P.
Dick Hoyt shared his words of wisdom- succinct yet so perfect, "Our advice is ‘Yes you can. There isn’t anything you can’t do as long as you make up your mind to do it.’ And I know that these people will not give into anything."
Watch the full segment below from NBC's TODAY:
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