Framingham Presents Awards to Norden Brothers On Anniversary of Marathon Bombing

Tuesday morning, on the 1-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, brothers JP & Paul Norden, who each lost a leg in the blasts, walked along the 26.2 Boston Marathon route with family and friends as part of a "Legs For Life" fundraising campaign.

The brothers, from Stoneham, walked about 7 miles of the 26.2 miles, but family and friends walked the entire route. Along the way they were greeted by fans and supporters. The brothers also stopped to chat, pose for photos and even sign autographs for everyone.

They started in Hopkinton at 9 a.m., and in Ashland, near the Tasty Treat, they met up with Ashland Police and a crowd of supporters, including Framingham resident Leslie Harvey, who submitted a few photos to Framingham Patch.

In Framingham, they were provided an escort by Framingham Police and stopped to chat with Framingham Selectmen Chair Charlie Sisitsky and his wife Robin near St. Tarcisius Church on Route 135.

A little further down the route near the train station, the brothers were greeted by Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin who presented the two with community service awards. (Editor's note: see attached photos courtesy of the Town of Framingham.)

On April 15, 2013, JP and Paul Norden were waiting with Paul's girlfriend, Jacqui, for a friend to cross the finish line when the first explosion went off at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. 

As they scrambled to help Jacqui to safety, the second bomb detonated right beside them, exactly 12 seconds later. Both of the brothers lost a leg while Jacqui was blown into the street. 

Funds raised from yesterday's walk will assist the brothers with future prosthetic limbs that can cost more than $100,000 per limb. The purpose of the fundraising walk was to ensure JP & Paul have “LEGS FOR LIFE."

If you would like to donate to the cause visit http://www.gofundme.com/2pfm04  or a check payable to  “NORDEN BROTHERS BENEFIT FUND may be mailed to Stoneham Bank, Norden Brothers Benefit Fund, 80 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA 02180