Man Runs 3 Marathons, In 3 Countries, In 3 Weeks
BOSTON (CBS) - Three marathons in three countries in three weeks, it sounds like an insane dream but one man is making it happen with the goal of helping a young woman live a better, more independent life. "It will transform my life and I'll have independence and freedom," says Katie O'Halloran from County Galway.
She was born without arms and with a short, right leg. And while she's overcome great odds, Katie is hoping for something new that will be a miracle for her. "I'm hoping to raise money so I can get prosthetic arms to help me in my future," she says.
That's where Michael Cloherty comes in. Michael has joined an international effort to raise money for Katie with his 3-3-3....three marathons, three weeks, three countries. "It's a big challenge but as I've been telling everybody, it's nothing like the challenge Katie and her family have faced throughout their lives," says Cloherty.
First he ran a marathon in Ireland, then in London and on Monday he'll take his mark in Hopkinton for number three. "I'll be very happy and a bit emotional too, but it's been a great adventure," he says.
Katie is hoping to get bionic arms with hands that work. The cost for both of the prosthetics and therapy to go with them is about half a million dollars. The effort still needs to raise nearly $200,000. "I'll be able to open doors and shake a person's hand and give somebody a hug and do the small, trivial acts that people take for granted," she says.
While Michael prepares for the challenge of Monday's marathon, other supporters are getting ready for a big fundraiser on Saturday night at the IBEW Hall in Dorchester, and together, they're confident the mission will be a success. "Hopefully I'll be at the finish line and walk across the finish line with Michael," says Katie.
For information about how to help: www.facebook.com/katieohalloranbenefit
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