Humans are stronger than terrorists. Interview to Rebekah Gregory, Boston marathon survivor

by Angela Caporale

rebekahRebekah Gregory was 26 years old and she was at the Boston Marathon together with her son, Noah, and her boyfriend, Pete Di Martino. They organized that weekend to support Pete’s mum running. But that day changed their lives. It was April 15, 2013 and the terrorist attack planned by Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev killed 3 people and injured and estimated 264 others. Rebekah is one of them, and she will run the @uxilia Peace Marathon to spread a message of hope against any kind of violence.

You wrote a touching letter to the bombers of Boston. That day radically changed your life. What do you remember? Is there any moment of that day that it is still fundamental in your life?
I remember everything about that day. I remember the smell in the air, what the weather was like and I remember the feeling of being totally helpless as a mother right after the blast. I can still see my bones laying next to me on the sidewalk and other people’s body parts all around me. And I still shudder every time I replay the moment when I watched a woman I will never even meet, take her last breath. April 15th, 2013 will always be a part of me. I am reminded every time I take a step with my prosthetic that my life will never be normal again. But I am also reminded that I am still very blessed and plan to live each moment to its fullest.

After two years, do you feel something different from fear?
After two years, I feel a sense of peace. I was in a state of limbo for such a long time. But after having the surgery to amputate my lower left leg, I feel like my life is finally moving forward again and I couldn’t be more excited for the future.

How did that day change your life? Where is that leading you to?
That day I firmly believe is the reason I have found my purpose. I always knew I wanted to help people. It is essentially why I went to nursing school. But there was always something missing in everything I did. Now having such a platform to speak out and try to inspire so many through my struggles is more than I could ever ask for. Don’t get me wrong it’s still hard. But at the end of every day, it’s worth it.

You wrote about the willing to do something to make the world a better place. Which are your actual activities? What do you want to do?
I try to do something every day to make the world just a little bit brighter. Sometimes it’s as simple as writing an uplifting message on social media and others days more complex like starting up a non-profit organization. I have so many ideas and things I want to do that I can’t even keep up with myself.

What do you hope for your future and the future of your son?
I hope with all of my heart that in the future when my son looks back on Boston, he will focus on the blessings that have come from it. I have tried so hard to be open and honest about everything. After all, he saw everything I did that day. But what I want him to take away is that the struggles in life are inevitable. But how we handle them is optional. I want him to live without fear and know he is so very loved.

Have you ever run a marathon?
I ran a half marathon about 5 years ago and it was terrible. I never thought I would commit to running again unless I was being chased. Now my feelings are obviously very different.

What do you feel to be here in Italy in this special situation?
When I received the email from Maria Cecilia Rossi (cultural activities supervisor of @uxilia), asking if I could speak at the Marathon for Peace that is being held by @uxilia in partnership with UNESCO, I could not believe that I would be offered such an honor. @uxilia is such a caring organization and I am glad to be helping spread their message of taking care of underprivileged children, women and the elderly. I am so honored and humbled for the experience and hope that I make everyone proud.

What do you want to tell to the people from all over the world here in Friuli thanks to @uxilia?
I want to tell them to never give up because there is still way more good in the world than there is bad. If we can ban together and all do our parts in making it a little more peaceful, the world will be a much better place. @uxilia works so hard to help people in need and I hope that I can bring some more light to their foundation.

Do you know which are the projects of the association? Is there any of them that you perceive as closer to your idea of making the world a better place?
I really like that @uxilia helps children and families. I started my own foundation “The Angels of Hope Fund” so I can help local families in need. I do not accept any fundraising for myself, I would rather use that money towards helping other people. I have been very blessed to receive so much assistance since the bombing, that I feel I need to pay it forward and help others that are less fortunate than me.

In which way can a marathon like this organized by @uxilia and Unesco Cities Marathon promote peace?
I think it promotes peace simply by what it stands for. It is a way to remind people that evil will never win.

If you’d be a model for someone, what do you want him/her to see in you and your story?
I want people to see that I am a normal person that was dealt a hard hand and am trying to make the best of it. If someone can gain some inspiration from me along the way, that’s awesome.

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