During these unprecedented times, we have all needed to make adjustments to our daily lives. Many of us have been forced to stay home, but healthcare workers around the world are responding to the crisis, putting themselves at risk for all of us.

I've seen the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand: my father and stepmother are both doctors at Montefiore Medical Center, and my brother is a student at Montefiore's Albert Einstein College of Medicine volunteering with COVID-19 patients. Healthcare workers are overwhelmed with 12-hour to even 24-hour shifts on their feet, and the hospital is dealing with shortages of protective gear and equipment for the professionals who are treating those in need. Urgent research is being conducted to find ways to treat the virus, including using novel techniques like obtaining antibodies from patients who have overcome COVID-19 to treat others.

While we can't come together physically, we can virtually--and this is where I need your help. On Saturday, April 11th, I am asking you to join me in running (or walking!) a virtual 10K race to help support the healthcare workers who are on the frontlines fighting COVID-19. By signing up to participate in this race, I challenge each of you to share your mission and encourage friends and family to donate on your behalf. All proceeds from these donations will go directly to Montefiore and Einstein, providing the hospital system with protective gear, equipment, and funds to continue research that may contribute to treating and/or curing COVID-19.

I know these times are not easy for anyone, but even the smallest contribution can make a huge difference. It's time for us to support those who have been supporting us all along. We can do this!

Best, Devi

*A few days before the race you will receive a link to sign up for Strava, an app that tracks your mileage. You will receive directions on how to join the #MilesForMontefiore Club that has been set up so that you can stay tuned in to everyone who is running with you. You can connect your Strava account to your fundraising page.

Support on Social: Show your followers why you're running! #MilesForMontefiore @Montefiorehealthsystem

FAQs:

How many miles is a 10K?

It is 6.2 miles.

I can't run/walk 6.2 miles. Can I still participate?

Yes! The 6.2 is just a collective goal to keep in mind; you can walk however much or little you want. While we encourage everyone to get out and get active (while maintaining social distance!), you can also simply donate here without registering to participate in the 10K.

Where is my donation going?

All gifts will go toward supporting frontline healthcare staff (for example, transportation, housing, meals, wellness), expanding our clinical capacity (for example, hospital beds, ventilators, intravenous infusion pumps, and other medical needs), and developing a cure (for example, clinical trials and study coordinators to help run such trials). Spending governance resides with Montefiore's Critical Incident System Team, which will determine spending needs in real-time based on patient population, available resources and equipment, and other relevant factors.

When is the race?

12pm ET to 3pm ET on Saturday, April 11th *This is a tentative end time--feel free to take as long as you please!