Hi all, thank you for checking out my fundraising page! I am excited to be an ambassador for Free to Run, a terrific organization that uses outdoor sports like running to develop girls’ and young women’s leadership and wellness, and address gender inequity in areas of conflict. My next big challenge will be my first full marathon in Provo UT on June 8th 2025 which I hope to run within 4.5h. To prep for it, I will be going through the Tempe half marathon on 1/18/25 (done at 1h41!) and Surfer's Path half marathon on 4/26/25.

Free to Run operates in some of the most challenging regions in the world, where decades of conflict and instability have resulted in extreme social isolation for women and girls as well as harassment, constrained mobility, and unequal access to their rights. Since 2014 they have worked to create positive change in the lives of thousands of young women and girls living in regions of conflict, including Iraq and Afghanistan. They do this by providing leadership and well-being programs for girls and young women in conflict areas, in conjunction with running experiences.

From my own story, I was definitely not a runner growing up - I was slow and uncoordinated, which made me an easy bullying target. I dreaded most sports and believed I just had inferior physical abilities. In my late thirties I got motivated to run a company 5K, which made me realize that I could do it with proper preparation and encouragement. Since then I caught the running bug, doing several half marathons and a series of 10Ks. Realizing how extremely beneficial running can be for both the body and mind, I cannot comprehend how some minorities and especially women are disallowed from enjoying such a natural activity. I believe it to be of highest importance for anyone, anywhere to be free to run!

Thank you so much for your consideration and donation!