Cranston West Grad Runs First Marathon For A Cause

From The Brain Injury Center:When Jeffrey Ragosta, who grew up in Cranston and attends the University of Rhode Island, competes in the Amica Newport Marathon on October 8, he will be raising money for the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island (BIARI). He has created a fundraising page, which can be accessed by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2x6d4vW. For more information, call 401-228 3319 or email braininjurycenter@biari.org.

“This is my first marathon ever, and I want to make it meaningful for myself and others around me by fundraising for those who are dealing with brain injuries and their families.” Ragosta, who graduated from Cranston High School West in 2014, said. “After interning in the physical therapy department at Sargent Rehab and many long runs in the scorching Rhode Island heat, I decided to start training for the Newport Marathon and raise money for BIARI.”

As the only nonprofit in Rhode Island solely dedicated to brain injury survivors, their families and caregivers, BIARI has been representing this underserved population since 1983. The Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island is dedicated to increasing awareness of brain injury and its consequences, providing education to prevent brain injury, and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by brain injury.

Currently, Ragosta, a senior at URI, is majoring in kinesiology, and he is applying to be a graduate student in physical therapy at URI. He said that he has always been fascinated by how the body works. “I was inspired to run by my father and as I kid I thought running marathons was something only superheroes could accomplish,” he added.

“We are honored that Jeffrey chose his first marathon to support the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. The timing couldn’t be better. October kicks off our year-long celebration of 35 years of service to Rhode Islanders touched by brain injury,” Debra Sharpe, Executive Director of BIARI, said. “On behalf of the nonprofit, we thank Jeffrey, and we will be there cheering him on.”

The Amica Newport Marathon’s course is along ocean-side roads and includes miles of waterfront views and the grand mansions along Bellevue Avenue. Competitor Magazine voted the marathon the “Best Half Marathon” and “Best Race Swag” in the Northeast.

You can donate to Ragosta by clicking here http://bit.ly/2x6d4vW

For more information on the Brain Injury Association of RI and its Resource Center, call 401-228-3319 or email braininjurycenter@biari.org.

Image Courtesy of Brain Injury Center