Boston Resident to Run Boston Marathon for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

Fons Cervera Laces Up to Support Youth Mentorship Programs

Fons Cervera and Little Diego. Photo Credit: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

On April 15, Fons Cervera, 24, of Boston, will run in the Boston Marathon. He will lace up to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth.

In 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts celebrates 75 years of service across the region. The nonprofit partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. Children are paired with mentors across Eastern Massachusetts from the Merrimack Valley to Cape Cod and the Islands. Over the past seven decades, BBBSEM has supported more than 25,000 youth.

“I am running for BBBSEM because of what the organization means to me,” says Cervera. “Being a Big has personally brought me so much joy. I love being a mentor and being a big brother to my Little. Having a male mentor who is a little older but who isn’t a parent is something that is so important because not all kids have that role model. Especially when it comes to being Latino, it’s good to have a mentor who is also Latino and can help guide you through being Latino in the U.S., which isn’t always easy. I am so proud that I can be that for someone. You give so much to your Little, but you get so much in return. It is so worth it.”

Cervera will have been matched with his Little Diego for one year in April. He always knew he wanted to be a Big because having a male mentor was something he craved when he was young.

Cervera is one of four Boston Marathon runners hitting the pavement and fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts this year. His goal is to raise $10,000 to support the cause.

To support Cervera, visit: https://support.emassbigs.org/fundraiser/5219786

For more information, to become a volunteer or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org