On April 15, Ryan Parlon, 19, of Franklin, will run in the Boston Marathon. He will lace up to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM), the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth.

In 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts celebrates 75 years of service across the region. The nonprofit partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. Children are paired with mentors across Eastern Massachusetts from the Merrimack Valley to Cape Cod and the Islands. Over the past seven decades, BBBSEM has supported more than 25,000 youth.

“I’m running for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts to show youth that anything in life is achievable with dedication and hard work,” says Parlon. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is the best program - giving children a person to look up to while creating an amazing bond with their Big. That can make a huge difference for youth.”

Parlon has been matched with his Little Gage for one year now. He signed up to become a Big because he wanted to be a role model and friend to make an impact on a child’s life.

He is one of four Boston Marathon runners hitting the pavement and fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts this year. His goal is to raise $5,000 to support the cause.

To support Parlon, visit: https://support.emassbigs.org/fundraiser/5323062

For more information, to become a volunteer or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org.