17-Year-Old Taunton Teen Wins Meeting Street 5K in Inspiring Full-Circle Moment

On a chilly, near-freezing day in October, community members gathered for the Superhero Walk, Roll and 5k, in support of Meeting Street - The Schwartz School. The event welcomed friends, families and even pets to brave the cold temps at Fort Taber in New Bedford, raising funds and awareness for the all-important work that the Dartmouth school provides.

Braving 35-Degree Temps at Fort Taber

It was just 35 degrees when the horn sounded to begin the 5k, a race taken on by participants of all abilities. As the timeclock ticked just past the 21-minute mark, applause at the finish line grew when 17-year-old Mary MacDonald from Taunton came into view, an athlete who would quickly warm the hearts of many frigid spectators, including myself.

Pedaling to Victory in a Professional Racing Wheelchair

She was pedaling her racing wheelchair, one similar to what's seen used by professionals in big events like the Boston Marathon. "They're very expensive but I was very happy to be able to race here today with that," MacDonald said. Her hard work and athleticism brought her a first place medal and an interview with Fun 107.

Michaela Johnson/Townsquare Media

As I approached Mary to ask if she'd be comfortable speaking on air, I didn't realize that the moment would mean so much to her. A lover of the arts and broadcasting, she's an active member in her school's theater program and a big advocate for those with physical and mental disabilities.

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A Reconnection and Full-Circle Reunion Since 2018

While chatting, we realized our paths crossed back in 2018. At the time, I was working at WPRI-12, which was once again hosting a telethon to raise funds for Meeting Street's Providence campus and The Schwartz School. Mary, just seven years old at that time, was selected as a special co-host.

Michaela Johnson/Townsquare Media

"I was at the Schwartz Center where I was getting outpatient physical therapy at the time. I actually had outpatient therapy there for about 10 years and I was very happy," Mary recalled. "We raised over a million dollars for the Schwartz Center and Meeting Street at the time."

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Those funds and the continued support of community members (like those who took part in the Walk, Roll and 5k) will benefit the students and families of The Schwartz School.

"I definitely say that the Schwartz Center played an integral role in me just being able to be active more than I was expecting to be. You know it really just helped me find myself, be active, meet people similar to myself and really be out there and make a change," Mary said.