Pushing Beyond Limits at The New Bedford Half Marathon

Doctors from across the SouthCoast will join representatives from the Schwartz Center for Children and BayCoast Bank in the upcoming New Bedford half marathon on March 17, 2013, in an effort called ‘Pushing Beyond Limits’ to raise awareness of the services offered at the Center. Runners are organized into teams. Each team will push a child who attends the Schwartz Center along the course that traverses the city of New Bedford.

“I’m an avid runner. It feels good at my age to be able to do things that other people half my age can’t do. I didn’t start running until I was in my fifties. I am 70 years-old now and I run several charity races per year. I like to run long distance rather than sprints. Marathons are very much like life; you have to be able to go the distance. I think that it is very fitting for me to be ‘Pushing Beyond Limits’ with the Schwartz Center in the New Bedford half marathon this year. I hope to be an inspiration to others.” said Dr. Donald Clukies, who is running with the Schwartz Center for the first time this year.

A long-time supporter of the ‘Pushing Beyond Limits’ effort is Dr. Robert Caldas, who said “I love helping out at the marathon…I don’t often get a chance to donate my time so this is the perfect opportunity for me. Aside from that, I love seeing the kids and the look on their faces and the support they receive from so many dedicated people.”

Another key supporter, Paul Mello, vice president and business development officer at BayCoast Bank commented, “I’m involved in so many worthwhile community events, but this one really touches my heart. The kids get to be part of something special.”

BayCoast Bank operates sixteen branches on the SouthCoast, including two in New Bedford and one Fairhaven. A true community bank, BayCoast takes pride in supporting the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The Schwartz Center for Children is a nonprofit organization at 1 Posa Place in Dartmouth, MA. It has been serving children with a variety of special medical and developmental needs from birth to age 21 in Southeastern Massachusetts since 1947. Services include a Day School, Early Intervention Program, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Regional Consultation Program, Pediatric Specialty Clinics, and a variety of other programs.