Boston Marathon Bombing Hero Launches Foundation to Help Military Families

After this famous photograph was released, Boston Marathon hero Carlos Arredondo, was recognized for his heroism. He helped save Jeff Bauman two years ago when the attack in Boston caused him to lose both legs. The iconic photograph helped Carlos get the word out about his efforts as an advocate for charity and community action.
With the help of this fame, Carlos was able to launch the Arredondo Family Foundation to assist military families who have lost loved ones to suicide. This is a foundation that means a lot to Carlos and his wife Melida, who lost their son in 2004. Lance Cpl. Alexander S. Arredondo was killed in 2004 during a firefight. On the last day of the Iraq war, their other son, Brian, was grief-stricken and took his own life.

Trying to put these tragedies in the past can be hard for surviving family. The Arredondo family hopes to focus most on siblings who are suffering from a loss. They plan to help with emergency funding, counseling, and scholarships for siblings who are coping with military suicide.
During the most recent Boston Marathon, five participants ran in support of the foundation. Runner Chris Laudani. When Chris isn’t bartending, he s known for keeping the track clear and even shoveling snow from the track when it was once hit with a blizzard.
The Arredondo family invited are still close with Bauman, who also attended the foundation’s launch event earlier this year. “Jeff and [his wife] Erin, they fill a place –- they never could ever replace Alex or Brian –- but having them in our lives eases things,” says Melida Arredondo. “It helps, and we just enjoy spending time together.”