Veronica has been part of the Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) in Southwick, MA, for several years now, and her family shared her story and how HKRS has impacted her life. Here’s Veronica’s story, as told by her family.
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Sure, HKRS is a fun running program for kids, but for Veronica, it’s so much more! It’s been a source of real, meaningful growth and nothing short of life-changing.
Veronica is autistic. She also has ADD, an expressive speech disorder, and struggles with social interactions. These challenges often make it hard for her to join in activities other kids might take for granted, especially things like team sports (which can be great for social skills, confidence, and fitness). But more often than not, people assume she won’t be able to contribute or keep up, and she doesn’t even get the chance to try.
That’s where HKRS has been a total game-changer.
HKRS isn’t just about speed or winning. It’s about showing up, working hard, supporting each other, and growing as a person. This inclusive, character-based approach has been exactly what Veronica needed. It gives her goals she can understand and genuinely achieve. She’s part of something, just like every other kid there.
The magic isn’t just in the structure of the program; it’s also in the people running it. Andi DeSanto, the local Community Coordinator, and the entire volunteer staff have created an environment where Veronica is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. They cheer her on, run alongside her if needed, and rally the crowd to do the same. Even if she’s the last one to cross the finish line, the energy, encouragement, and joy she receives make her feel like a winner every single time.
And Veronica doesn’t miss a race! Not one. Even on tough days when her other challenges could easily derail her, HKRS motivates her to push through. She’s even learned to pause an oncoming meltdown just so she won’t miss her race. That kind of self-regulation is a huge leap, and her doctors and therapists see the impact HKRS has made in her life.
While many special programs have helped Veronica in different ways, none have lit her up or stuck with her quite like this one. HKRS has given her more than exercise. It’s given her confidence, community, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s helped her develop skills she now uses in other parts of her life. And maybe most importantly, it’s shown her that she belongs.
For that, we’re endlessly grateful.
Veronica’s Family
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Source: healthykidsrunningseries.org