Cycling for a Cause

Best friends Tom Regan and Michael Kineavy will turn the big 6-0 this year. They could have celebrated with a guy’s trip to Vegas, an extravagant golf outing or even tried skydiving. But, nope – these two life-long friends and local residents decided instead to cycle from Boston to Florida (1400+ miles) to raise money for a young man who needs some special wheels. 

In September of 2013, West Roxbury native Mark Delamere’s young life changed forever.  He was paralyzed from the waist down in an auto accident on the Jamaica Way (that also tragically affected Dorchester father of three Kevin Cellucci).  Tom and Mike are cycling to Florida to raise $50,000 to purchase an adaptive vehicle for Mark to give the young man some freedom and ability to get around on his own. 

Tom Regan grew up with Mark’s dad, and wanted to help out his neighborhood friend. When young Mark was able to augment his rehabilitation, he invited him to his gym (Regan’s Motivated Fitness on West Broadway) for some personal training with Tom and Tom’s son, Thomas.

“He has really made some amazing progress,” said Thomas Regan. “When he first came to us he was a skinny, lanky 14-year old. Now he’s built up and strong, and we concentrate on his upper body. He does pull ups in his wheelchair! He has put on pounds and is continuing his studies at Boston Latin Academy. He’s a hell of an inspiration,” he added. 

Mark’s personal motto is “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” And he has applied that to his life and his determination to help others. Mark has taken a proactive approach to better himself, both physically and mentally, as well as better those around him. In June of 2014, just 9 months after the life-altering accident, Mark organized a charity street hockey tournament (“The Kevin Cellucci Classic”) to raise money for the family of the Dorchester man who was in the other car involved in his accident. Kevin, a father of three young children, suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury. Mark and his friends set out to raise $20,000 for the Cellucci family and well exceeded that goal.

“Mark thinks of others before himself constantly, and that is exactly why we have decided fundraise for something for Mark and help him get some independence,” saidThomas. 

A local fundraiser is planned for May 7^th – Kentucky Derby Day! Amrheins Restaurant will host the event to raise money for Tom and Mike’s efforts. Beginning at 4 pm, there will be free food and a cash bar, and also a best dressed award given to the most festive guest at the event as well as raffle prizes from local businesses and restaurants.

You can RSVP for the event here!  You can make a a donation here! 

Come out to support Tom and Mike as they prepare to leave on their 1400+ mile “bike ride!” The men are aiming to finish the route in about 2 weeks, hoping to log about 100 miles per day.