TEAM BROOKLINE
Team Brookline, the Town of Brookline’s official Boston Marathon team, is a committed group of adult runners who train together for the Boston Marathon while raising funds and awareness for five partner charities that play an integral role in strengthening and enriching our community: Brookline Community Mental Health Center, Brookline Education Foundation, Brookline Library Foundation, Brookline Symphony Orchestra, and Brookline Teen Center.
Thank you to the amazing individuals who are running for our orchestra. Please support them and Team Brookline for the wonderful work they do.
Mohamed Eldamati
Hi, I'm Mohamed! I was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, where culture, education, and community were part of daily life. Institutions like the Library of Alexandria shaped how the city felt, and the orchestra there was something I grew up around. It taught me early on that shared cultural spaces matter, and that they help people feel connected to where they live.
When I moved to Brookline, I felt a similar sense of belonging that I quickly developed through this town's vibrant institutions. Libraries, public spaces, and the Brookline Symphony Orchestra made the town feel cohesive and welcoming. The Symphony plays a quiet but important role in bringing people together and giving the community something enduring. The Symphony is an important part of Brookline’s civic fabric. It brings people together across ages and backgrounds and makes classical music accessible in a way that otherwise wouldn’t be.
I’m running this marathon to give back to a town that made a new place feel like home, and to help support the institutions that shape its cultural fabric.
Fundraising Site: https://www.givengain.com/project/mohamed-raising-funds-for-team-brookline-brookline-center-for-community-mental-health-115582
James Knuuttila
Hello everyone! My name is Jimmy and I am raising money for the Brookline Symphony Orchestra as part of Team Brookline.
My wife is a musician, and one of our first dates was hearing her play in a regional symphony orchestra. This experience exposed me to the magic of her world. For the past decade, I have enjoyed the world of classical music through her and her group of friends. This world I have been accepted into has given me nothing but love and joy. From all the late nights of sight reading parties, concerts on the lawn, and hearing mock auditions, I've spent each day with a woman who constantly expands my world with her knowledge and love for classical music and I feel compelled to give back. So, in return, I am taking up the call to raise money for The Brookline Symphony.
I am also dedicating this whole experience to my late brother Steven. He died unexpectedly this past spring which upended my world. My brother was older than me by about 10 years and I always viewed him as a role model. Steven was ill his entire life with a rare kidney disease that limited his opportunities. What I have learned from his passing are two life lessons. First, you have to enjoy life every chance you get. Previously, I took people and their love for granted, believing the time I had with them had no expiration date. Secondly, it's a privilege to do challenging things. Not everyone has the opportunity to do so. Now I actively choose to do things that are hard because I get to. It is that simple for me.
Thank you so much for donating! But more importantly, thank you for reading my story. Here is to doing things that are hard!
Fundraising site: https://www.givengain.com/project/james-raising-funds-for-team-brookline-brookline-center-for-community-mental-health-111238
Ed Link
In 2017, I ran my very first marathon, on Team Diabetes, supporting the American Diabetes Association. It was an amazing experience, and one that almost didn't happen.
Two weeks prior to the race, I was in a car accident, which almost derailed my chance to run the race. Fortunately, I was able to run the race, and it was an amazing feeling to complete a marathon and raise money for a cause that I care deeply about.
After the race, I made a 10 year goal for myself to complete all 6 of the Abbott Marathon Majors. Since 2017, I have completed 5 of the 6 races, and raised some money for some great charities along the way.
In 2026, I am going to complete my goal by racing for Team Brookline in the Boston Marathon. I am really excited to be on this team, and would love your help supporting the Brookline Symphony Orchestra.
Brookline Symphony Orchestra's mission is to provide qualified volunteer musicians an opportunity to enhance their skills while providing great, affordable performances in the community. Additionally, they provide free performances in schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.
I chose Brookline Symphony Orchestra as my charity because music has made a big impact on my family. All three of my kids played an instrument in the school band, and my daughter is currently a section leader in her high school band. The band community is especially valuable to me because it gives my daughter a place to belong, grow in confidence, and share her love of music with friends who inspire and support her. Please join me in supporting the Brookline Symphony Orchestra. Together, we can provide both support for up and coming musicians and help provide affordable concerts to the community.
Fundraising site: https://www.givengain.com/project/ed-raising-funds-for-team-brookline-brookline-center-for-community-mental-health-111227
Rich Samaroo
Music has always been my escape it’s helped me through tough times and kept me grounded when life felt heavy. Sometimes all it takes is putting on a good song and going for a run to clear the air and reset. I’m so excited to be running the Boston Marathon, my third Abbott World Major, and even happier to do it for such an amazing cause. The Brookline Symphony Orchestra brings classical music to communities, using the power of music to support mental health and bring people together.
Fundraising site: https://www.givengain.com/project/rich-raising-funds-for-team-brookline-brookline-center-for-community-mental-health-111387
