Boston Marathon Runner Honors Nephew with Down Syndrome

Steven Ponte is running the 2026 Boston Marathon to remember his late nephew Sebastian and support his other nephew Zachary, both of whom have Down syndrome.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:33am

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Steven Ponte, a 37-year-old from Somerville, Massachusetts, is running the 2026 Boston Marathon to honor the memory of his nephew Sebastian, who passed away, and to support his other nephew Zachary, both of whom have Down syndrome. Ponte's family has received support from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, and he is running to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

Why it matters

Ponte's story highlights the challenges families face when caring for children with Down syndrome, as well as the importance of community organizations like the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress in providing support. His decision to run the Boston Marathon to honor his nephews and raise awareness for the cause reflects the power of personal stories to inspire others.

The details

Ponte's twin nephews, Sebastian and Zachary, were both diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth. The family received support from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, including a care package in the NICU and assistance through the MDSC Cares program when the twins were hospitalized with respiratory infections. Tragically, Sebastian has since passed away, but Ponte is running the Boston Marathon to honor his memory and support Zachary's future.

  • Ponte's twin nephews, Sebastian and Zachary, were diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth.

The players

Steven Ponte

A 37-year-old from Somerville, Massachusetts, who is running the 2026 Boston Marathon to honor the memory of his nephew Sebastian and support his other nephew Zachary, both of whom have Down syndrome.

Sebastian

Ponte's late nephew who had Down syndrome and passed away.

Zachary

Ponte's nephew who has Down syndrome and is still living.

Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress

A community organization that provided support to Ponte's family, including a care package in the NICU and assistance through the MDSC Cares program when the twins were hospitalized.

Boston Children's Hospital

The hospital where Ponte's nephews were hospitalized with life-threatening respiratory infections.

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What they’re saying

“I'm running for Sebastian's memory and for Zachary's future.”

— Steven Ponte

The takeaway

Ponte's story highlights the importance of community support and raising awareness for families caring for children with Down syndrome. His decision to run the Boston Marathon to honor his late nephew and support his living nephew is a powerful testament to the impact personal stories can have in inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.