On April 20, 2026, ten amazing runners will tackle the 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America as members of Team NECC. These runners come from diverse backgrounds but are united by a common purpose: to raise critical funds and awareness for autism and The New England Center for Children (NECC). The passion, determination, and personal stories each runner brings to this life-changing experience will prepare them to conquer the iconic 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston!

Curtis Stewart hails from Alberta, Canada, and is running for his daughter who is on the autism spectrum. He has seen her struggles – and her incredible strength – firsthand. “Every milestone she reaches reminds me what true perseverance looks like. When I run for Team NECC, I run for her, and for every child who faces the world a little differently. I run for the families who never stop believing, for the teachers and therapists who guide them, and for the children whose light deserves to shine bright.”

Madison Seymour is a student at Northeastern University in Boston and is inspired to run the Boston Marathon by her best friend’s brother who has autism. He has shown her just how important it is to provide essential tools and resources to those living with autism. Being a member of Team NECC is Madison’s way to “honor my personal connection, raise awareness, and contribute to building a future where every child and adult with autism has the chance to live with independence and joy.”

Thalia Palmer lives in Livingston, New Jersey, and is excited to be part of Team NECC because “with every endeavor, this organization seeks to raise awareness and understanding about autism and to empower those affected so that they can lead lives that are both full and rewarding.”  As a pediatric anesthesiologist who regularly cares for children with autism, the organization’s mission and initiatives  resonated deeply with Thalia. “NECC’s commitment to education, research, and comprehensive support for autistic children is unparalleled. They are a worldwide leader in shaping this important landscape.”  Thalia is proud to be helping to sustain and grow NECC’s vision and to “foster a world dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism.”

Elizabeth Debroczy, originally from Southborough, Massachusetts, will be graduating from Clemson University in December, 2025. Elizabeth’s motivation to take on the Boston Marathon comes from her greatest role model in life – her sister – who is a teacher at NECC. “Much like the incredible students at NECC, I look up to my sister for support and guidance. Helping and supporting the students at NECC is my sister’s greatest joy, and all I want to do is support her, her passion, and NECC’s mission. Growing up in Southborough, Elizabeth has always known about NECC and has also had a life-long dream of running the Boston Marathon to benefit a charity for which she has a passion.

Morgan Mills lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and is familiar with NECC because her sister received both her Master’s and PhD in Behavior Analysis through NECC’s partnership with Western New England University. Her sister is a NECC staff alum and after returning to her hometown of Birmingham, continues to use her NECC education and experience in the Alabama autism community. “To me, the true mark of a successful nonprofit is when its impact can be seen far beyond its immediate [geography], reaching those of us who admire its work from the outside….I have witnessed NECC’s tangible success and have a deep respect for the work they do”.

Caroline Stevenson lives in Boston and has been a teacher at NECC for more than three years. Caroline has represented NECC as a member of the Falmouth Road Race team and is excited to make the jump to the Boston Marathon in 2026. “NECC has become a second family and a home to me. I have learned from incredible leaders, educators, and clinicians. Each day my students inspire me to ensure they have the best opportunities to learn and thrive. Running for Team NECC is a great way for me to advocate for my students, educators, and to support NECC’s mission.”

Kalshelia Lloyd, from Rahway, New Jersey, is fundraising to make the future better for all children with autism, but also for someone very special to her – godson Matteo who is the son of her best friend and college roommate. “Matteo is bright, curious, and full of life. He also has autism. Watching him grow has been a gift, but it has also opened my eyes to the obstacles families, especially black and brown families, face in getting the support their children need. Every dollar I raise and every mile I run is for Matteo and for the thousands of children like him who deserve a future filled with possibility.”

Nicole Graham from Jersey City, New Jersey, is a nurse, wellness coach, and lifelong advocate for wellness and inclusion. Close friends of Nicole’s have children living with autism and she has seen the challenges they face as well as the impact the diagnosis has on entire families. Nicole is inspired by NECC’s commitment to empower children and young adults with autism through innovative education, research, and support which is transformative not just for today, but for the future. “Representing NECC on the marathon course means carrying the strength, resilience, and potential of these children with me all the way to the finish line.”

Kristen Benjaminson hails from Chicago, Illinois, and has strong ties to New England as her husband is a native Bostonian. Kristen is awed by the incredible resources, programs, and education that NECC provides, and she is also a passionate endurance runner, having completed many half-marathons and two full marathons. She is excited to combine her love of running with fundraising that will make a difference for children and families impacted by autism. “Running a marathon to support autism education and research is an incredible way to raise funds, foster community, increase awareness, and show solidarity with those living with autism and their families.

Prem Itharat from Stamford, Connecticut, is a returning member of Team NECC, having run in the 2025 race and raising more than $14,000 for the school. Prem’s eldest child, now 18, is on the autism spectrum, and he credits early intervention in helping his child develop and thrive into early adulthood. “NECC’s mission and focus on education, research, and support hits home.” Prem is dedicated to raising awareness and funds so that families like his have the assistance they need to support their children who are living with autism.