Market: Boston

Athlete: Cory Schneider (Heritage Financial Services)

First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at The D10, Dana-Farber, Vinny Talluto and the staff at Mike Boyle’s gym, all of the volunteers, donors, and athletes for contributing to a cause that is so much greater than all of us. 

Upon learning of The D10 earlier this year, I was hooked. In college I spent time at the Ronald McDonald House and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. During these visits I met some of the strongest, most courageous, and inspiring children and families that I have ever come across. You may think that you’ve had a tough day at work every now and then, but it doesn’t even come close to what these patients and their families deal with each day. It is hard to argue that there is a more deserving cause than pediatric cancer, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

Since moving on from hockey in 2014 I have found myself hungry for athletic competition and the exhilarating feeling of pushing myself to my physical and mental limit. Going to the gym these past few years for the sake of “staying in shape” just hasn’t been the same. I was really looking forward to getting back into the gym with a competitive group and training toward a common goal, and The D10 did not disappoint. I can’t say enough about the comradery of The D10 community, as everyone pushed each other through training and fundraising to complete one more rep, run faster, jump higher, and raise one more dollar. The support reached a whole new level on game day as fellow competitors continued to motivate and push each other through the exhausting events and the 90-degree heat.

The first year in Boston was definitely a success, but we can continue to grow and raise more money. I challenge everyone in Boston and the other cities to not only come back next year, but to recruit other athletes to join you. I have only lived in Boston for a year, but I have been here long enough to understand the rivalry between Boston and New York City. In Boston this year, we raised over $150,000, and I know that next year we will come back even stronger. Let’s make it our goal to top $500,000 next year, and continue to chase the high bar set by our friends in New York City.