Jeff Bauman Helps Launch Arredondo Family Foundation
BOSTON (CBS) - Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman walked into a crowd of hugs on Monday night. He shared his excitement about life.
"It's awesome – having my family, my daughter and my wife," said Bauman.
Bauman attended the launch event for the Arredondo Family Foundation. Carlos Arredondo was the man in the cowboy hat who rushed Bauman to help. The moment was captured in a photo that became synonymous with the Boston Marathon bombings.
With the first phase of the Boston Marathon trial now in the hands of the jury, Bauman said he's not watching. He only went to the federal courthouse once – when he had to testify.
"I don't pay attention to it. I had to testify and that was very tough," said Bauman.
He said what was not tough was sitting in the same room as Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. "I had so many other people in the room. Carlos was in the room. My wife was in the room," said Bauman.
Carlos Arredondo attended closing arguments. "We want to be near the scene of the courthouse to support each other," said Arredondo.
Arredondo is now using his name recognition to help military families dealing with suicide. His son committed suicide after his other son was killed in Iraq. "We know what they are going through and we can help other families," said Arredondo.
Also attending the event was MBTA officer Dic Donohue who was injured in the shootout to find Tsarnaev. He danced with his young son, who also hugged Bauman and Arredondo. They focused on the moment and not how they were brought together. "So much good has come and my life is just filled with joy," said Bauman.
Five runners are running the Boston Marathon for the foundation. The foundation is also setting up a scholarship fund at UMass Boston for military siblings.