"I Have No Choice. I Gotta Run."
A Boston Marathon Reflection
Tonight, as I started my run, it was pouring. I was crossing the street when I saw my brother stopped at a sign. I cut in front of his car and went up to his window.
In true Paul fashion, he said, “Idiot, what are you doing?”
I laughed and said, “I’m running.”
He offered me a ride.?
​​
I told him no, "I have no choice, I gotta run.​"​​
Some stories stay with you forever.
A few years ago, while training to run the Boston Marathon, Caitlin Norden wrote a reflection that captured the true heart of A Leg Forever — resilience, gratitude, and the strength of amputees and their families.
​
With Caitlin’s permission, we are honored to share her message. Although written years ago, its meaning is timeless, and it continues to inspire the work we do today.
A Reflection by:
Caitlin Norden
I smirked… and ran. off down Lebanon Street, I thought about what I had just said. “I have no choice.” The truth is, fortunately for me, I have every choice. I can run, ride a bike, walk, or simply drive. There are people who literally do not have that choice — and that is why I’m running this year’s Boston Marathon. I’m running for those who cannot, and for those who need that jumpstart to get back on their own “two feet” again.
I believe so deeply in my mom’s foundation because I’ve personally witnessed the lives she has helped change. When both of my brothers each lost a leg, I couldn’t begin to imagine what their futures would look like. Then people like B.J. Ganem and many others came to visit, and faith was restored. We learned there would be a “new normal,” and I knew my brothers would overcome anything thrown their way.
Growing up, my big brothers were always the strongest guys I knew — and they continue to prove that every single day.
The truth is, no one thinks this kind of tragedy could happen to them. Even more heartbreaking is how common it has become — whether caused by another person, an explosive in a backpack, texting and driving, a mass shooting, or even a boating accident. Tragedy has no gender, no race, no age. It can strike anyone, anytime.
​​
But what I’ve learned is this: with tragedy comes love.
The good outweighs the bad every single time.
I’ve learned that people with prosthetics can live — and really LIVE. I’ve seen:
-
Travis Mills snowboarding his heart out down the slopes of Breckenridge.
-
Heather Abbott paddle boarding.
-
Karen McWatters strutting confidently in high heels.
-
Patrick Downes RUNNING the Boston Marathon.
-
And even J.P. Norden hitting a pretty mean golf ball straight down the fairway.
And yet… part of me still wishes I could drive by Central School and point out, like I used to, “That one there — that’s my brother.” Some things will never be the same. For some amputees, things are extremely hard. No two experiences are alike. Some may run. Some may struggle to walk. Some get painful blisters that keep them from wearing their prosthetic. Some just don’t feel comfortable.
​
Being an amputee is not easy — I know that. I also know that almost six years later, I have a brother going in for surgery this Friday that will leave him unable to walk for three months. And I know that every day, I get out of bed easily, without first needing to put on a leg.
​
And I know that I will finish the marathon in honor of my brothers — and for those who don’t have the choice to run.
If you’ve gotten this far, thank you for reading my rambling. I just hope that when you see my fundraising posts, you understand where I’m coming from and why I’m so passionate. It’s not just another “annoying” post asking for donations.
​
Your donations help someone get back to living.
​
Lastly, THANK YOU to those who have supported my mom from day one, and to everyone who has helped me reach my fundraising goal. None of this would be possible without you.​ - Caitlin
“I have no choice. I gotta run.”
​
That mindset — choosing to keep moving forward when things are hard — is the same strength shown by amputees and their families every single day.
​
A Leg Forever Foundation exists to support that resilience, honor that perseverance, and remind every amputee that they are never running alone.