An inspiring event took place in Galway. The 5k race for the Andrew Izzo Memorial Fund. 2 years ago, in 2013, an event occurred in Galway that will never be forgotten. No one should ever feel alone or forgotten because there is always someone to talk to, and always someone right there for you by your side. Not only was the race run by the friends and family of the Izzos, but by the entire community, including sports teams, students, graduates, and teachers of the Galway Central School District. This event was inspiring and motivational and shows just how close the community of Galway is. We are not just community members, but we are one closely knitted Galway “family.” Some inspiring words came from Rob Martin, the Galway varsity boys’ soccer coach. Martin believes that the race was not only to raise money, but believes that it was run for a great cause.

“No one should ever feel alone and have the feeling that they have no other option in life. There is always someone to talk to whether it is a friend or family member, and if you don’t feel comfortable with those individuals, the coaches of Galway are all willing to help out in any possible way we can. No one individual should have to feel that they are so isolated that there is no other way out. It only takes a couple of sentences in a small conversation to make a difference in someone’s life.”

A member of the Class of 2013 (Andrew’s class) Paige Galloway Hammond, had this to say about the race:

“As soon as I heard about the race I knew I wanted to attend. It just so happened that a lot of people in our class decided to come home for it also. The race provided an opportunity for everyone to come together again to celebrate the memory of an amazing person. Andrew lit up the lives of everyone around him and the race was a way to honor that. I know every day that we all miss him and it was just nice to all be together thinking about him. Galway is such a supportive and caring community and I felt that it was very important to come back for the Izzo family and to bring awareness to an important cause.”

Another member of the class, Kristen Houghton, ran with her friends and family also. “You are never alone.”

The run was a great way to bring everyone together in remembrance for such a great individual. We ran for one person and for the gathering and fundraising of one never-to-be-forgotten family member, and friend.