Holy Rosary Credit Union in Rochester, N.H., and Bellwether Community Credit Union in Manchester, N.H., were among local institutions that helped buy a custom-built wheelchair for 17-year-old Kayla Biagiotti to participate in the Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon in Hampton, N.H., on Sept. 30.

Kayla's mother, Kristine Biagiotti, pushed her wheelchair as they finished the race and reached their goal of qualifying for the 2013 Boston Marathon. There, they hope to become the first mother and daughter team to participate in that event.

“To be a part of the race, to see the outpouring of support from the credit union community and have the chance to get to know Kris and Kayla was very inspiring,” said Brian Hughes, president/CEO at the $183 million HRCU. “To know they qualified for their dream, to run the Boston Marathon, gave us all an appreciation of what can be accomplished by having the unwavering passion to succeed.”

The Credit Unions Kids at Heart program – comprising area credit unions that raise funds for Boston Children's Hospital – sponsored the Biagottis. Kayla Biagiotti has been treated there since birth for mitochondrial disease — a chronic, genetic disorder that affects the production of cells.

Kristine Biagiotti has been running the Boston Marathon since 2005, Holy Rosary CU said.