Focused on Inclusion
How the Abby Mac Foundation Promotes Inclusion
At the Abby Mac Foundation, inclusion isn’t just a goal – it’s a way of life. Founded by the MacCurtain family to honor their daughter Abigail (“Abby”), the foundation was created to support families affected by mitochondrial disease and Leigh’s Syndrome, while advocating for the inclusion of children with disabilities through sport – especially running.
Abby was diagnosed with Leigh’s Syndrome at just ten months old and given a life expectancy of two years. Now 14, she continues to thrive thanks to an experimental drug, though she uses a wheelchair and is non-verbal. Running has given Abby a way to compete, to be celebrated, and to be fully included.
In 2014, Abby’s dad Greg turned his grief into action, running his first race with Abby and her younger brother, Tomas. Two years later, they completed their first triathlon together, and soon after, their first marathon in Cork, Ireland. The family hasn’t stopped since – Greg has now run six consecutive Boston Marathons, even running the course twice in 2023 and 2024 so that Abby could participate despite age restrictions.
Through these races, the MacCurtain family is spreading awareness that inclusion is possible when communities make space for every child. They have been inspired by their friendship with Dick and Rick Hoyt, pioneers in adaptive running, and continue that legacy by advocating for other families and children with disabilities.
Most recently, the foundation partnered with author Todd Civin to publish Abby Mac’s Smile, a children’s book that shares Abby’s story and promotes acceptance. The Abby Mac Foundation may be new, but its mission is clear: to create a world where every child – regardless of ability – has the chance to join in the race.
