I am Alison Clardy, a former and future athlete for The 9.11 Promise Run – a relay from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia to Ground Zero in New York City. I am also a military brat, a retired Marine, and the spouse of a retired Marine. I am privileged to have sat on the 9.11 Promise scholarship committee for the past two years.
Having spent my life around the military, I saw firsthand how organizations like The 9.11 Promise impact families. The loss of a loved one or caring for a disabled family member is sometimes a catastrophic financial burden for families. However, time and again, the children in these families face adversity head-on and find a way to excel academically and thrive in their communities. The 9.11 Promise merit-based scholarship gives these special children the opportunity to continue a path of success.
In 2023, my husband and I formed a team to participate in the 9.11 Promise Run. Along with our three daughters, some other family members, and a few close friends, we laughed, argued, cried, and cheered each other on. It was hard! It was also one of the most personally impactful things that I have ever done. The people we met along the way were amazing, and the support we received from total strangers kept us going.
At the end, we all said that we would never do it again. We were wrong! Team Bluewater will be back on the road again in 2026, 25 years after the tragic attack on our country.
I will keep the promise to never forget what happened on September 11, 2001. I look forward to being a part of something that truly and significantly benefits the children of our fallen and disabled first responders and veterans. These children are our legacy and the future of our country.