By Geena Monahan–For the North Star Reporter
North Attleborough natives and sisters Abby and Maggie Roberts will run the 129th Boston Marathon on April 21 in partnership with Tedy’s Team, a nonprofit founded in 2005 by former New England Patriots player Tedy Bruschi, to raise funds for stroke and heart disease.
The Roberts sisters grew up with Bruschi as their neighbor and close family friend. When Bruschi suffered his first stroke in February 2005 — which served as the impetus for the creation of Tedy’s Team — the sisters remembered the impact it had on them and the range of emotions that accompanied Bruschi’s recovery and return to football.
“Throughout my life, I admired Tedy’s hard work and dedication to the things that were important to him,” explained Abby Roberts. “When I heard the crowd through the TV welcoming him back to the field, I realized that his journey extended far beyond our small circle. It touched countless fans and supporters who were cheering him on with us.”
Tedy’s Team was granted five bibs for the 2006 Boston Marathon, and the sisters’ father, William Roberts, was a runner on that inaugural team. Following in their dad’s footsteps, the pair successfully completed a half marathon in the fall of 2024 and set their sights on Boston. While the duo ran cross country in high school and were always involved in athletics, this will be the first full marathon they’ve ever run.
“Watching our dad cross the finish line was inspiring, but it was also a moment that showcased Tedy and Heidi (Bruschi)’s commitment to helping others.” Maggie Roberts said. “We have been fortunate enough to witness the positive impact that Tedy’s Team has made on the lives of so many affected by stroke and heart disease.”
Maggie Roberts lives in Somerville, where she’s earning her Ph.D. from Tufts University in civil and environmental engineering. Abby Roberts lives in New York City, where she works as a construction engineer after receiving her degree from Columbia University.
The two don’t often have time to train together, but Abby Roberts makes the drive up for runs with her sister and the rest of Tedy’s Team on the marathon course whenever she has the time.
Abby and Maggie talked about the camaraderie they’ve formed with their teammates, speaking highly of all that Tedy’s Team has done to foster partnership and bring them closer together.
“We’re all running for the same thing, so that instantly gives you something to bond over,” said Maggie Roberts. “Even the people who aren’t in the area, we’re all in a Facebook group together and people will post about their long runs, and everyone will comment to congratulate them and share about the runs they did.”
The devastating effects of a stroke hit even closer to home in 2018, when the sisters’ grandmother suffered a series of strokes. Bruschi had a second stroke in 2019, and watching both of their remarkable comebacks inspired Abby and Maggie to do even more to support this cause.
“Seeing again how quickly somebody’s life can change emphasized the importance of the work that Tedy’s Team has been doing to raise more awareness of stroke and the warning signs,” Abby Roberts explained. “Inspired by the role models in my life, I am excited to follow in my dad’s and Tedy’s footsteps and cross that finish line with Tedy’s Team in April.”
In an email correspondence with the North Star Reporter, Bruschi remarked on the special relationship he and his wife have formed over the years with the Roberts family, and how much it means to him to see Abby and Maggie following in their father’s footsteps.
“Heidi and I are so proud of Abby and Maggie,” said Bruschi. “We have seen them grow up. Our families are very good friends, and this is a full circle moment for Tedy’s Team because their father, Bill Roberts, was on our very first Boston Marathon team and 19 years later, both of his daughters are running. It will be such a joy to watch them cross the finish line.”
As of March 22, Abby and Maggie have raised $16,500 out of their goal of $20,000. All money raised by Tedy’s Team will go towards supporting stroke and heart disease survivors through initiatives such as the Comeback Assistance Program and the Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery.
The Comeback Assistance Program helps to take the financial burden off of survivors and their families, assisting with paying for extended physical and speech therapies, procedures and medical equipment. In partnership with the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, the Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery serves to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, while also advancing the community’s knowledge of the warning signs of stroke through community outreach and education.
Fast action and quick thinking that led to immediate medical care is credited with saving both Bruschi and the sisters’ grandmother. As part of their mission to educate about stroke warning signs, Tedy’s Team developed the BE FAST acronym: balance difficulties, eyesight changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties and finally, time to call 911.
“It’s been such a great experience,” said Abby Roberts. “It feels really special to be able to participate and see what all of our fundraising is doing, how it’s really making a difference to help Tedy’s Team grow and push stroke awareness.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the sisters’ mission or to contribute to their fundraising goal can visit their website, https://www.givengain.com/project/maggie-raising-funds-for-tedys-team-86453