October 17th, 2018 By Man Down

On Sunday, 10/14, after being delayed by one hurricane and threatened by yet another, hundreds of runners lined up along East 7th Street at Charlotte’s annual Hit the Brixx 5K. While most folks were there to “push themselves” in the usual race fashion, a select few were there to do something quite different…to both Push and BE Pushed in a powerful way! These HIMs of F3 were not there to set new PRs, but rather to serve as Speed For Need Drivers in pushing four young men who would not otherwise have been able to participate. These four Track Commanders, in turn pushed their F3 Drivers – and every other runner and spectator at that race – to engage as servant leaders in our community! #WHOPUSHESWHO

HUGE T-claps to…

• Brandon Folcarelli, Jo-Jo Lasco, Nick Mazza, and Joe LiVolsi for leading the way as our Track Commanders!
• Chowder, Hot Wheels, Brutus, Laser, and Guinness for serving as the primary Chariot Drivers!
• Exit 54, Gapper, and Gypsy for their expertise on all things related to Speed For Need!
• Chicken Strip, Kilowatt, Poutine, Scooter, Christmas, The Farm, Tootsie, Trojan, and Glock who carried shovel flags and supported our Drivers the whole way!

There WILL be an official recap video of the event forthcoming (T-claps in advance to 2 Step for that!), but for now  THE OFFICIAL VIDEO IS COMPLETE, THANKS TO 2 STEP AND HIS M. CHECK IT OUT!!!

Plus, here are a few quotes from some of our Track Commander families and F3 participants as well as some pictures below. Be inspired!

“This was an amazing experience for me and my son. He can’t stop talking about it. He is super excited to do it again. Can’t wait for the next opportunity.” – Rich LiVolsi (Joe’s dad)

“The community and camaraderie of the F3 men was awesome to witness; they truly care for their track commanders as well as each other! A real team effort. Can’t wait for Nick to be able to do this again!” – Greg & Sandy Mazza (Nick’s parents)

“This was our first experience with Speed For Need, and we really didn’t know what to expect. We loved it! Brandon had a blast being a team commander! He can’t wait to race again!” – April Folcarelli (Brandon’s mom)

“Ever since I met Speed For Need, it’s been a blessing for me. It’s gotten me and my son out and helped balance me as a mother to do more with my son.” – Marye Lasco (Jo-Jo’s mom)

“Great ministry and great impact on our community! The core of who we are as F3.” – Brian Moyer (F3 Hot Wheels)

“It is very cool what an impact SFN has had. The wonderful experience for the track commanders and their families. Today left an indelible memory in their lives – what a gift! I was impacted in a great way by the privilege of being able to push. The reality is – I was pushed. I was running with an injury but I didn’t have a problem and I finished at a good pace. It was terrific being with all of you F3 Pax.” – John Teeling (F3 Guinness)

“One thing that made an impact on me was the positive influence SFN had on Marye, Jo Jo’s Mom. She told me that because of this event, she was compelled to get in shape and begin running and make sure she is physically capable of caring for Jo Jo. Marye said she has lost 70 pounds and she ran the 5k with Dawn, Hot Wheel’s M.” – Bob Hillebrand (F3 Brutus)

“I actually thought I was going there to help kids with special needs, but it almost sounds selfish to say that I am the one who came back home with great joy and memories. It was an incredibly inspiring and humbling experience and for that I am very thankful for F3 MeCa and the great volunteers, Track Commanders, and their family who attended.” Danny Bujold (F3 Poutine)

“The smiles on their faces as they ride with us…pushing us forward just one more step as our lungs feel like they are going to burst… that raw enjoyment from both the young and old, sick or challenged…that 20+ minutes they get to take their mind off the fight and enjoy the ride. That’s why I do it brothers. I can’t cure cancer.. I can’t fix MS. But I can run… and if running on a Saturday or Sunday with you men brings our TCs an extra minute of joy, I will keep doing it.” – John Boles (F3 Gypsy)

Speed For Need

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