LARSON Employee Runs Beyond Miles

LARSON divisional sales manager Mike Porter finished the 2014 Boston Marathon in a fashion that went far beyond the 26.2 mile race.

Completing a marathon is a task that requires endurance, physical strength, and mental strength. Completing a marathon pushing your 20-year old son in a wheelchair requires a whole lot more. Porter does exactly that.

Porter’s son Jeffery, was born 2-1/2 months premature with cerebral palsy.  Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects body movement and motor skills. However, the two didn’t let cerebral palsy get in the way of bonding.

The duo began running together six years ago.

“Running is a way for Jeffrey to experience something that is mainstream,” Porter said.

The pair started with a 5K and never looked back.

“Our distances have gotten longer and our times have gotten shorter,” Porter said of their running history.

Although Jeffrey’s physical limitations have some effect on his cognitive growth, to a large degree his cognitive skills are not affected.  What Porter finds most admirable about his son is his daily positive approach.

“He has taught our family to put things in perspective. My worst day is every day for Jeffrey, and he is still smiling and laughing,” Porter said. “It’s Jeffrey who inspires me. I push his chair, but he mentally pushes me.”

Mike and Jeffrey Porter finished with a time of 3 hours, 27 minutes, 40 seconds.