COLUMNS
Living the Mission RUNNING FOR A CAUSE
Two alumni have taken living the mission to heart, and to the finish line. Matthew Lindley ’89, Gilmour social studies instructor and cross country coach, braved the cold for an honorable cause this past December. Alongside the boys cross country team he leads, which includes his sons Ben ’24, Nate ’26 and Evan ’27. Matt ran the Jingle Bell 5K to fundraise for the Arthritis Foundation in support of a close family member. The organization researches a cure for the condition and advocates for more accessible arthritis care through legislation and awareness. As a lifelong runner, Lindley knows how to find the little joys in the sport. While it can be harder to identify those amidst Cleveland winters, he notes that “knowing how good you’ll feel and challenging yourself to reach a goal” is all the joy you need. Bundled up in Lancer gear with a Christmas twist, the team gathered at Legacy Village with a sea of Santa hats cheering them on. “Though I am only a freshman,” participant Wyatt Tomasek ’27 reflected, “I am already learning that these kinds of experiences will be part of my Gilmour years.” Coach Lindley’s dedication and competitive spirit inspired participants to show up for the community, building camaraderie along the way. “On a freezing morning like that, it would have been easy not to venture out,” he recalls, “but it was inspiring to see so many people there to raise money and have fun.” For David Corvi ’03, running has had a powerful impact on his family, and throughout the Greater Cleveland community. It has helped him to honor the legacy of his infant son. After experiencing the unimaginable loss of Charlie in October 2021, David vowed to create a network of support for fellow families with angel babies. The Corvi family has made it their mission to memorialize Charlie while bringing joy to others through physical movement. 4
“In the throes of heartbreak, wanting to stay isolated is a natural feeling,” David shared, “but we quickly realized that seeking community was better, psychologically and spiritually. There are so many people who have supported us, and many who still need to be supported by us.” Thus the Charles Martin Corvi Fund, and Charlie’s Challenge, began. In the event’s debut, Charlie’s Champions participated in the Akron Marathon, raising $21,000 for organizations aiding those whose lives have been touched by pregnancy or infant loss. In 2023, participants ran and pedaled together through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Among the supporters were members of the Gilmour boys soccer team, which was extra special for David. “The soccer team is very close to my heart, since I played during my time at Gilmour, and now I’m one of the coaches. They had a tie to Charlie early on, so it was really empowering that many of them (and their parents) came out to support.” Events like Charlie’s Challenge are making strides to normalize the conversation around the stillbirth crisis in the U.S., enlightening others by sharing stories like Charlie’s. “When we feel Charlie’s presence, we call it a Charlie Wink,” David explained. Charlie’s siblings came up with the name after they noticed a huge cardinal that kept returning to their backyard. The cardinal and a wind chime gifted to their family are continual ways of keeping Charlie’s memory alive, and therefore inspired the foundation’s logo. These moments keep David and his family motivated to continue their mission of remembrance and solidarity, honoring precious lives lost far too soon.
Melissa, Ben '24 and Matt '89 Lindley at Ben's cross country Senior Night this fall Daivd ’03 and Katherine Corvi