Severna Park Residents Run For A Cause

Berrywood residents Dan and Susan Morrissey are making a difference in the best way they know how: by running a marathon.

On October 4, the Morrissey family is traveling across the pond to run the London Marathon, one of the world’s largest fundraisers.

It was Susan who originally hooked the family on running.

“There was a women’s 5k at Quiet Waters Park and you didn't have to have any experience,” said Susan. “You could just show up and they would help you to successfully run the race. I was able to do it. I wasn't the fastest, but I crossed the finish line.”

Dan took up running shortly after and never looked back.

“I got involved and I really got the bug and started doing marathons,” said Dan.

The London Marathon will be Dan’s sixth marathon and Susan’s first.

Each year, runners from all over the world gather in London to support their favorite charities. In 2019, the runners raised a record-breaking 66.4 million pounds, or $81 million.

Dan, Susan and their son Michael chose to fundraise for the Salvation Army.

“I’m an advisory board member for the local Salvation Army,” said Dan, who has been involved with the organization for two years. “It seemed like a perfect fit.”

The Salvation Army is a church and a social service organization that strives to end poverty and ensure that every person is treated fairly.

“I’m excited that it's the charity we are going to support,” said Susan. “I was not aware of how much the Salvation Army does. It is an incredible organization.”

The Salvation Army’s most popular program is the kettlebell fundraising campaign at Christmastime. The organization is also involved in disaster relief, poverty outreach and much more.

“What’s special about the Salvation Army is who we are at our core,” said Captain Ryan Vincent, who runs the Annapolis location. “We are a Christian organization that firmly believes that nobody is more special than anyone else and everyone deserves an opportunity. We resolve ourselves to make sure everyone is meeting needs and that we are holistically fixing a situation.”

Dan and Susan’s fundraiser will benefit the Salvation Army in Annapolis, whereas Michael, who lives in Houston, will donate to his local station.

Vincent said he is excited that people are willing to fundraise for the organization.

“As a Salvation Army employee, this means that we have people who believe in what we’re doing,” said Vincent. “If people are willing to put their hard-earned money into this organization then that means the world to us.”

The funds will support the Salvation Army’s social service and youth outreach programs. The Salvation Army is currently operating the only homeless shelter in Annapolis and strives to end poverty in the community.

Dan said that the Salvation Army has inspired him to give back, and running a marathon is the best way he knows how.

“This is my opportunity to give back,” said Dan. “I’ve been fortunate in my life, and now that I'm retired, I want to give back to those who haven’t been as fortunate.”

Susan, who is walking the marathon, has been training to finish in seven hours. Dan, however, is just hoping to finish the race before his son.

“I haven't been close to beating him for that last couple races, but this time I've doubled down,” said Dan. “I hired a professional coach who monitors my workouts. I am getting faster. I’m optimistic that if I’m not going to beat him, I’m getting close.”

Dan and Susan said that they are excited to make lasting memories as a family and make a difference in the process.

“It feels good to do something with your family that's fun and healthy,” said Dan. “It's a real bonus that what we’re doing is bringing money in to provide support to people who need it.”