In Africa, an entire generation is dying. Mothers. Fathers. Teachers. Farmers. Even pastors. Working men and women.
15 million children have been orphaned due to AIDS (That's around the same as the total number of high school students in the U.S.)
6,000 people die everyday of the disease.
In 2005 more than 2.8 million people died because of AIDS - That's equal to a plague killing off the entire population of Chicago.
Every day more than 29,000 children die, mostly due to preventable/treatable diseases and lack of clean water.
I have decided to do something to help. World Vision is a Christian Humanitarian Relief and Development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. For more information, please visit the World Vision website.
Two years ago I developed a passion for running. Step by step I have climbed the ladder from the 5K race to 10K and last year the Half Marathon. The training and the races have been very exciting, emotional, and have had many ups and downs. Running has certainly helped me physically. Now, through Team World Vision I plan on running the 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon. This time with a deeper meaning.
This brings me to my title, "Run to Remember". Running 26.2 miles in the heart of Chicago will be a run to remember. I know, it sounds crazy. But, as I run I'm reminded of what God has done and continues to do. Philippians 4:13 says "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Jesus is the center of my joy and strength.
As Americans we have so many blessings... health, family, job, freedoms. We sometimes take them for granted. Another reason for my title... to remember those who are not as fortunate as we are.
There are two simple ways that you can support my efforts:
1) Click on the SPONSOR ME NOW button at the bottom of the page and make an online donation
OR
2) Click the link in the text box below, and sponsor a child for $35 per month.
I look forward to finish training and to run in this journey. Check out a really cool website: the Chicago Marathon. You can see a map of where I will be running and you can get a great idea of all I will see. I'm even more excited to help raise money to support those families that are in need.
THANK YOU,
Daren