Meet Jocelyn (JoJo) Calkins, a girl who radiates joy with her big, bright smile, blond hair, and blue eyes. She’s the kind of four-year-old who doesn’t hesitate—she jumps in, eager to be part of everything. Whether it’s adaptive gymnastics, horseback riding, swimming, or Special Olympics Young Athletes programs, JoJo embraces every opportunity with enthusiasm.

Born in April 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, JoJo’s arrival was anything but typical. Her parents, Kelley and Matt, navigated virtual medical consults and met doctors behind masks. JoJo was quickly moved to the NICU, and from the beginning, her parents decided that whatever she needed, she would get. It’s because of this determination from Matt and Kelley that JoJo is now a force to be reckoned with.

Like most Special Olympics athletes, JoJo faces some extra hurdles; but she tackles them head-on with determination and an unstoppable drive to do everything “just like everyone else.” She has bilateral hearing loss, vestibular balance impairment, low muscle tone, and cortical visual impairment (CVI), but none of that slows her down. She chats using a talker and modified sign-specific English, making sure everyone knows exactly what’s on her mind. She has had a life-changing journey at the Neurological and Physical Abilitation Center (NAPA) in Boston. JoJo started out unable to walk independently, but step by step, she leveled up—from a walker to a gait trainer, and now, to a walking cane. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also rolling in style on her adaptive bicycle, proudly honking her horn and yelling, “Beep Beep!” JoJo is determined to keep up with the neighborhood kids, and honestly, they might just have to keep up with her!

Finding opportunities for JoJo has always been a priority for Kelley and Matt. Both grew up playing sports and participating in after-school activities, and they wanted JoJo to have the same chances. Through SPEDChildMass.com, they discovered Special Olympics Young Athletes events and soon found themselves traveling to different locations—including Tufts University, Thayer Academy, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, and more—to participate. At one program, JoJo bonded with a volunteer, forming an instant connection. The next time they attended, the volunteer greeted her with excitement: “JoJo, you’re here!” They spent the session together, finishing with a high-five circle.  

“She’s a better talker when she goes and she just has been really exploring it,” said Kelley. “Her independent skills of being able to go with somebody new and being able to participate in activities while we just kind of hang back has been a really good opportunity.”

For the Calkins family, supporting JoJo isn’t just about showing up—it’s about making things happen. They have run a few road races in the past, choosing different agencies to fundraise for that benefit kids like JoJo. So, discovering the Xtra Mile was right up their alley. When they joined the 2025 Boston 5K Xtra Mile Team, they  turned fundraising into a full-fledged community effort.

“We did a lot of fundraising through Superbowl Squares,” said Kelley. “And almost all the money was returned back to us.”

Family also plays a huge role in JoJo’s life, helping with transportation to and from therapy sessions and school pickups. It’s clear JoJo’s little sister, Stella, adores her (often bringing JoJo things that Kelley mentioned JoJo could probably grab herself). JoJo’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins rally around her, celebrating her victories and making sure she feels included in every way possible. If she wants to use her talker, they learn to use it. If she wants to take selfies, they pose right alongside her. Whatever JoJo loves, they embrace wholeheartedly.

Now, Kelley, Matt, and their two friends Chrissie and Ryan are preparing to run the 2025 Boston 5K in support of JoJo and athletes like her across the state.

“Neither of us are really ready for the 26.2 miles,” said Kelley. “But the 5K we can do.”

While they might not be marathoners (yet), that doesn’t matter. For them, it’s about choosing causes that benefit kids like JoJo.  

“Whatever is helping JoJo, we want to help them,” said Kelley.

Be sure to catch Team GoGo 4 JoJo in Boston’s Back Bay on Saturday, April 19^th as part of the Special Olympics MA Xtra Mile Team!