This July, a Spaulding mom will run an ultramarathon through Spaulding’s woods, and every step will be for her daughter.
From the moment Nichole Gallager and her daughter, Nora, interviewed at Spaulding, Nichole knew she had found the right match for her daughter who once felt isolated in public school. Since then, Nora has flourished. She now leads school tours, mentors younger students as a Choose Love ambassador and is described by staff as a “bubbly sunbeam.”
When asked about Nora, Principal & Director of Special Education, Garrett Lavallee said, “I have the pleasure of greeting Nora every morning. She comes with a big smile on her face and greets staff with hugs and high fives. Nora is an incredibly resilient, kind, and compassionate person who brings warmth and positivity to our school community.”
Last year, Nichole saw the Spaulding Woods 50k advertised, and she thought that one day it might just be the perfect way to give back to a community that has done so much for her daughter. When sign-ups became available this year, Nichole jumped at the opportunity. To her, it’s not only about giving back to Spaulding, but also “about showing myself and everyone cheering me on that we can push ourselves to do hard things and be proud of every step along the way.”
After running her first half-marathon last October, she is now documenting her rigorous training schedule on social media to raise money. She’s nervous, but excited, loves a challenge and hopes to show her daughters that “we can try hard things, practice pays off and that all we can do is our best on any given day.”
When training gets tough, she gives herself grace and draws inspiration from Spaulding’s approach — meeting students where they are and encouraging them to take on challenges — which motivates her to keep going.
One of Nora’s favorite programs at Spaulding is the Experimental Challenges Outdoors (EChO) program — she loves riding the tandem e-bike. Nichole hopes the funds she raises will help the EChO program reach its goal of purchasing another bike.
In her words, “I adore Spaulding and am just crazy enough to try to complete this 50K. I hope to raise $5,000 for the school that has done so much for my daughter.”
On July 11, Nichole will take off from the start line of the Spaulding Woods 50k as a first-time ultramarathon runner and a proud mom who found the right place for her daughter and wanted to give back. We’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.
Your support can help other children and families find their place, too. Donate online today and put “Nichole’s 50k” in the comment box.
FOLLOW ALONG WITH NICHOLE’S JOURNEY
Prom donations needed
One of our favorite on-campus events of the year will be here before we know it — Spaulding Prom! We are now seeking donations for:
- Boys’ and girls’ shoes of all sizes
- Gently used hair tools (curling irons, flat irons, etc.)
- Unused makeup
- Dress shirts sizes small to medium
To coordinate your donation, please email Donate@SpauldingServices.org by May 31.
Save the Date: NH Gives
This year, consider a donation to Spaulding Academy & Family Services during NH Gives, June 9 & 10.
