HWS News
25 September 2024 Bringing Smiles to Faces By Colin Spencer '19
Fred Damiano and his son Brent compete to promote inclusion of people with disabilities.
When Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief Information Officer Fred Damiano runs races with his son Brent, the best part is the reaction it inspires in the crowd.
“There’s something different when the wheelchair duos go by,” he explains. “The way people cheer for the rider-athlete, I can’t really describe it other than to say that it’s just a fantastic feeling that brings so much joy.”
Fred and Brent, who has multiple disabilities, recently competed in their sixth Falmouth Road Race together in Falmouth, Mass.
Fred and Brent started running as a wheelchair duo in 2015 after watching an ESPN special about the Hoyts, father Dick and his son Rick, who was born with a severe form of cerebral palsy. The Hoyts competed in more than 1,000 races together, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons. Inspired by their journey, Fred connected with the Rochester, N.Y. chapter of Ainsley’s Angels, which raises awareness about special needs communities through inclusion in all aspects of life. Through the group, the Damianos started competing in 5Ks and, after building stamina, graduated to the annual seven-mile Falmouth Road Race, while their family has cheered them along the way.
“Brent is the motivating factor, the driving force” behind the training and racing, Fred says. In the Rochester area, they participate in races that support organizations and agencies like Lifetime Assistance, CP Rochester, Christian Heritage Services and others that raise awareness and funds for individuals with special needs and disabilities.
Along with the fundraising, the bystanders’ reactions provide a tremendous amount of encouragement.
“If my son brings a smile to someone’s face when they see him in one of these races, or there’s a moment where someone connects with him just by looking in his eyes, I can’t describe it, but something happens,” he says. “And from my standpoint, it’s pretty powerful.”
Top: Fred Damiano pushes his son Brent during the Falmouth Road Race.
