Cambridge Runner Takes on Boston Marathon to Support Local Youth

On April 20, Ryan Gibeau, of Cambridge, will run his first Boston Marathon to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM), the state's leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth.

BBBSEM partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. Since 1949, the nonprofit has supported more than 25,000 young people.

Raised in Manchester, NH as the youngest of four brothers, Gibeau grew up looking up to older siblings and neighborhood mentors who shaped his understanding of guidance and leadership. He relocated to Boston to attend Emerson College, where he ran cross-country and was introduced to another important mentor in his life, his coach back then, and current marathon coach, John Furey of Furey 26.2. After moving to Cambridge last year, he decided it was time to be that influence for someone else and began volunteering as a Big Brother with BBBSEM. Over the past ten months, he and his Little Brother have built a bond that already feels like family, sharing a love for basketball, playing cards, and even going shoe shopping together. Inspired by his own mentors, Gibeau believes that showing up for a child can profoundly impact their life and is committed to continuing that legacy. As he prepares for the Boston Marathon, he hopes to help expand the organization’s mission of mentorship, community, and friendship to even more young people.

“I have been a volunteer Big Brother and have had an amazing Little Brother for 10 months now, and we're hitting it off like family,” says Gibeau. “When the marathon came into my vision this year, I knew I wanted to help spread BBBSEM’s mission to more folks. It’s such an easy job - show up for a Little a couple times a month at the very least. And, by being an example to them, it really makes you question if you're being a good example to yourself and tightening up the places in your own life you've been wanting to.”

Gibeau is one of seven Boston Marathon runners fundraising for BBBSEM this year. His goal is to raise $10,000 to support the organization's year-round community, site-based, and campus-based programs.

To support Gibeau, visit: https://www.givengain.com/project/ryan-raising-funds-for-big-brothers-big-sisters-of-eastern-massachusetts-inc-119112

For more information, to become a volunteer, or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 77 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org.