Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center

EMC has supported the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton, Massachusetts since 1999. The respite center, founded in April 1997 by Sharon Lisnow and Mary McQueeney, is named for Sharon’s son Michael, who was born 16 weeks premature, weighing just over one pound.

As a result of his premature birth, Michael had severe cerebral palsy and was blind. Despite his many difficult challenges, Michael proved to be an incredibly courageous boy who touched the lives of countless people. Michael died at age ten on April 20, 1996—just six months after the groundbreaking for the Respite Center.

Respite center provides range of services

Today, the respite center creates a home away from home for children and adults with disabilities, and it offers parents time off from the emotional and physical care needed by their children. The respite center also provides families with intensive support services and community employment opportunities for the disabled.

EMC raises funds and awareness on Boston Marathon team

As part of our support each year, EMC matches funds raised for the Center by a team that runs the Boston Marathon. In 2007, 20 EMC employees ran for the Center, each raising at least $2,500. In total, EMC and our employees raised over $110,000 to support the Center’s important work. All money raised from running the marathon goes to the Center’s scholarship fund, enabling more families to use the Respite Center's specialized care and services. EMC also hosted the center’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in April of 2007.