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Hoyt's 25th Marathon To Benefit Easter Seals

Slideshow: How The Hoyts Got Started

BOSTON (CBS4) ― According to Rick Hoyt, "As a child I attended an overnight camp that was run by Easter Seals and got my first taste of independence."

As they train for their 25th Boston Marathon, Rick and Dick are dedicating their run as a "thank you" to Easter Seals.

"We're trying to raise a lot of money for Easter Seals and the reason why we're doing it is when Rick was smaller he used to go to the swim program, all the different camps, and we just feel it's payback time for all the things Easter Seals has done for Rick," says Dick Hoyt.

The Hoyts have become familiar and inspiring figures on the Marathon course. Dick pushes his son the 26.2 miles. Rick, who has cerebral palsy, has an agile mind in a body that just doesn't work. He speaks using a voice synthesizer.

"The message I am trying to tell you is that disabled people are people too, and just want the opportunity to be included in everyday life," says Rick.

And that's the goal of Easter Seals, too. At their Boston Center, people with a variety of disabilities come for a wide range of services.

"The services are meant to enhance their ability to live independently, to work independently, to go to school independently and to participate in their communities," according to Kirk Joslin of the Easter Seals.

People in the Easter Seals classroom learn a variety of computer skills as well as participate in job training and job placement services.

Michael, one of the students says, "I think it's essential for persons with disabilities to have this kind of facility and this kind of training." Carrie, another student adds, "I'm hoping to become self sufficient, and I never could have done it without this."

Just as adaptive technology allows Rick Hoyt to have a "voice," and control his computer by using his head to tap a mouse, Easter Seals helps disabled people use technology in everyday life.

Rey Jourdan was paralyzed in a car crash. He now uses speech recognition technology to operate his computer. He speaks into the device and his words appear on the screen.

Technology also allows him to control his environment, turning appliances like lights, fans and the tv on and off with his voice.

According to Rey, "Without Easter Seals a lot of the independence I have currently would not be there."

So on Marathon Monday, look for the Hoyts going for number 25, and running to help others.

If you'd like more information about the Hoyts and how to support Easter Seals log onto: www.teamhoyt25.org

Every Monday you can see another story about the Hoyts as they prepare for the Boston Marathon during CBS4's 5pm newscast.

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