To say MDA Team Momentum participants are passionate may be an understatement. These athletes push the boundaries of what they have known to be physically possible and raise thousands of dollars in the hopes that there will someday be cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases.

These athletes come from all different walks of life and each has a different reason for running.

Every Team Momentum story is unique and inspirational, and we’ve had the chance to introduce you to many team members over the years. Want to join their ranks? To motivate you, we have compiled a list (in no particular order) of the most heartwarming stories guaranteed to give you all of the feels. We dare you to try not being inspired.

1.Chris Benyo’s Memorial Marathon with Team Momentum Celebrates Life

Chris Benyo was set to push his wife Denise DiMarzo in a race chair at the 2016 Chicago Bank of America Marathon, but sadly she passed away from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) shortly before the race. Chris ran alone, but Denise was still very much present: he competed with Team Momentum while pushing the racing wheelchair with photos and memories of his late wife.

2.U.S. Air Force Senior Airman runs with Team Momentum for his family and all MDA families

Air Force Senior Airman Mike Hall, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight and operation medical technician, conquered the 2017 Boston Marathon with Team Momentum, running for his sister Danielle, in memory of his brother DJ and for all families impacted by neuromuscular diseases.

3.Devoted Father Raises More Than $50,000 for Team Momentum

When Archer was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy . A year later his father, Matt Kendall, started the team Archer’s Way and ran with Team Momentum in the United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon in March. Though he initially hoped to raise $10,000, the team brought in more than $55,000 for MDA.

4.Siblings Run 10K Together with Help from Team Momentum

With the help of his sister, friends and MDA Team Momentum, Hugo Trevino, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, fulfilled his goal of participating in a 10K, something he once thought would never be possible.

5.From Summer Camp to Chicago Marathon, Robb Valentyn Goes All in for MDA

Long time MDA Summer Camp volunteer Robb Valentyn joined Team Momentum after learning of his aunt’s ALS diagnosis. Though his aunt sadly passed in 2016, Robb now runs in memory of his aunt as well as for all of the MDA Summer Campers he has come to know and love throughout the years.

Cross the finish line with Team Momentum at the 2017 Chicago Bank of America Marathon