O’Shea is almost 3 and a whirlwind of energy with a laugh that fills a room. Towers of blocks topple in his path, toy cars zoom across the floor and every tiny victory — a first word, a first step, a new phrase — is a celebration. “He is my ball of energy,” says his mom, Samantha Berrien. “My miracle baby … the one who defeats all odds.”Just a few years ago, O’Shea’s words were few and far between. He was quiet, reserved, a little boy finding his place in a world full of noise. “Before he started the Bell Center program, he wasn’t saying much,” Samantha Berrien recalls. “Now, he wakes up saying, ‘Mommy, where are you?’”And now, O’Shea has a new co-pilot on his journey: Jason Zajac, a teacher, runner and Bell Center ambassador.Zajac arrived with a bag of carefully chosen gifts after learning about O’Shea’s favorite things, like dinosaurs and cars. The two connected instantly.Zajac is not new to long races. He has run marathons across the globe — even 100-mile ultramarathons through the night — but this one is different. The Tokyo Marathon next March is not about speed or personal bests — it’s about purpose.“I’m honored to be selected as a Bell Runner,” Zajac says. “This is about more than me. Every mile I run, I carry O’Shea’s story, and it reminds me why we do this: to support children and families and show them what’s possible.”The Bell Runner program pairs dedicated runners with children in the Bell Center’s programs to raise awareness and funding. Since 1984, the Bell Center has helped children from birth to 3 years old reach milestones in speech, movement and cognitive development, guiding first words, first steps and first laughs. Elise Mayfield of the Bell Center says, “Each child’s journey is unique, and the fundraising efforts of Bell Runners allow us to serve hundreds of children every year.”On the playground, O’Shea’s tiny engine revs again. Zajac envisions carrying that energy with him, mile after mile, through the streets of Tokyo. “If I struggle in the last few miles, I’ll look at his picture and push through,” he says. “It’s all for him — one little spark guiding a monumental race.”Stephanie O’Shea says the support from Zajac and the Bell Runner program touches her deeply. “Seeing someone dedicate their miles to my son … it’s something I can’t put into words. It’s hope, love and belief all rolled into one.”For Zajac, it’s also about showing the world that running can carry a purpose beyond personal achievement. “This is about giving back, inspiring others and celebrating these kids,” he says. “Every step I take in Tokyo will honor O’Shea and the Bell Center’s incredible work.”Zajac is working to raise $5,000 for the Bell Center as he prepares for Tokyo next spring. This weekend, he will take on a staggering challenge: 100 miles in 24 hours. He is asking supporters to pledge per mile, with every dollar going directly to the Bell Center. You can contribute here: https://forms.gle/Yga7kpeWaNfTvPTt8
HOMEWOOD, Ala. —
O’Shea is almost 3 and a whirlwind of energy with a laugh that fills a room. Towers of blocks topple in his path, toy cars zoom across the floor and every tiny victory — a first word, a first step, a new phrase — is a celebration. “He is my ball of energy,” says his mom, Samantha Berrien. “My miracle baby … the one who defeats all odds.”
Just a few years ago, O’Shea’s words were few and far between. He was quiet, reserved, a little boy finding his place in a world full of noise. “Before he started the Bell Center program, he wasn’t saying much,” Samantha Berrien recalls. “Now, he wakes up saying, ‘Mommy, where are you?’”
And now, O’Shea has a new co-pilot on his journey: Jason Zajac, a teacher, runner and Bell Center ambassador.
Zajac arrived with a bag of carefully chosen gifts after learning about O’Shea’s favorite things, like dinosaurs and cars. The two connected instantly.
Zajac is not new to long races. He has run marathons across the globe — even 100-mile ultramarathons through the night — but this one is different. The Tokyo Marathon next March is not about speed or personal bests — it’s about purpose.
“I’m honored to be selected as a Bell Runner,” Zajac says. “This is about more than me. Every mile I run, I carry O’Shea’s story, and it reminds me why we do this: to support children and families and show them what’s possible.”
The Bell Runner program pairs dedicated runners with children in the Bell Center’s programs to raise awareness and funding. Since 1984, the Bell Center has helped children from birth to 3 years old reach milestones in speech, movement and cognitive development, guiding first words, first steps and first laughs. Elise Mayfield of the Bell Center says, “Each child’s journey is unique, and the fundraising efforts of Bell Runners allow us to serve hundreds of children every year.”
On the playground, O’Shea’s tiny engine revs again. Zajac envisions carrying that energy with him, mile after mile, through the streets of Tokyo. “If I struggle in the last few miles, I’ll look at his picture and push through,” he says. “It’s all for him — one little spark guiding a monumental race.”
Stephanie O’Shea says the support from Zajac and the Bell Runner program touches her deeply. “Seeing someone dedicate their miles to my son … it’s something I can’t put into words. It’s hope, love and belief all rolled into one.”
For Zajac, it’s also about showing the world that running can carry a purpose beyond personal achievement. “This is about giving back, inspiring others and celebrating these kids,” he says. “Every step I take in Tokyo will honor O’Shea and the Bell Center’s incredible work.”
Zajac is working to raise $5,000 for the Bell Center as he prepares for Tokyo next spring. This weekend, he will take on a staggering challenge: 100 miles in 24 hours. He is asking supporters to pledge per mile, with every dollar going directly to the Bell Center. You can contribute here: https://forms.gle/Yga7kpeWaNfTvPTt8
AloJapan.com