Sports
'Most Beautiful Person I've Ever Known': Medford Marathon Runner
Medford resident Rockwell Jackson is running the virtual Boston Marathon in honor of his grandmother, who is battling Alzheimer's disease.

MEDFORD, MA — Medford resident Rockwell Jackson is running the virtual Boston Marathon this year in support of the fight to end Alzheimer's disease. Jackson joined Team End Alz to honor his grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's more than 10 years ago.
"She is the most incredible and beautiful person I’ve ever known (inside and out) and seeing the effects of the disease is heartbreaking," Jackson said. "I am beyond proud to be part of a cause supporting the chase to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and hope everything our team does this year advances the research, care, and possibilities for cures for all those affected by Alzheimer’s."
Jackson has raised $13,291 so far, surpassing his $10,000 fundraising goal. Funds raised by Team End Alz support the mission of the Alzheimer's Association to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and provide care and support for all affected.
Find out what's happening in Medfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I'm very passionate about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and know many people are affected by the disease worldwide, whether it be themselves directly or a family member or friend," said Jackson.
Team End Alz program started in 2001 when a few athletes participated in the Boston Marathon on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. The program has grown over the past 17 years, raising over $7.5 million since its inception. Last year alone, the 2019 Boston Marathon Team raised over $407,000.
Find out what's happening in Medfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To learn more about Jackson’s story, and to donate to his Boston Marathon page, click here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.