Patrick Clancy, whose three young children were killed in their home in January 2023, has raised more than triple his original goal from his Boston Marathon run.
The Duxbury dad was raising money for Boston Children’s Hospital and had raised nearly $76,000 as of Tuesday morning. Clancy set his original fundraising goal at $25,000.
The children’s mother, Lindsay Clancy, has been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of the children.
“It was a lot of work and my legs really hurt, but I’m more proud of all the money we raised for charity,” Patrick Clancy said after crossing the finish line in just under 4 hours with a time of 3:59:19.
How Patrick Clancy carried Cora, Dawson and Callen with him while running the Boston Marathon
Clancy ran the marathon with one of Cora’s hair bows tied around part of his racing jersey, one of Dawson’s wristband on his right wrist and a bracelet belonging to Callan on his left wrist.
“They were my motivation,” Clancy said. “It was therapeutic. It was purpose. I knew we could make a big difference and we did, so it was good.”
On the back of his jersey, Clancy had written: “In memory of Cora, Dawson & Callan. Every mile, every day.”
Marathon Monday brings Clancy a monetary surprise
By Marathon Monday, that $33,679 more than doubled to $70,733. Over the weekend, Clancy, who wore bib number 25019, had increased his goal to $65,000. And then he beat that, too.
“I wish words could adequately express my thanks for your support and how uplifting it is,” he said in his blog.
Finding purpose in tragedy
Patrick Clancy has remained out of the spotlight since the deaths of his children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 7 months.
“In the short time they were here, my kids brought me so much joy and couldn’t have made their dad prouder,” he said in the post. “It goes without saying that losing them has been devastating, and it’s a heartbreak that I’ll live with forever, but I’ve committed myself to honoring their memory by trying to bring positive change. In many ways, I’m just trying to be more like them. Their passion in life was infectious.”
Patrick Clancy shared memories of his children, recalling their bright personalities and love for each other.
Callan was still alive when paramedics found him severely injured the night of the murders.
“Callan spent his last moments in my arms before he passed at Boston Children’s Hospital,” Patrick Clancy said. “Although I wished so badly for a different outcome, I was overwhelmed by the compassion and professionalism of the doctors and nurses in the ICU. They gave me a little more time with my boy, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.”
Lindsay Clancy remains at Tewksbury Hospital, where she is being held as she receives mental health treatment. She is paralyzed from the waist down after climbing out the couple’s second-floor window.
Her next court date is scheduled for May 28.