Lauren Bobzin's Fundraising Page
In a year that saw the Eagles clinch an improbable playoff birth, the Flyers complete the most dramatic turn around in NHL history, and of course our beloved Phillies take home the city’s first championship in 25 years, it seems the stars have aligned for any Philadelphia athlete who dares to dream…
And so, in true Philly form (with high hopes and long odds), I have entered the field of the 113th Boston Marathon®, April 20th 2009.
Over the course of an 18-year athletic career, I have survived my fair share of jammed fingers, grass stains, and turf burn. But running 26.2 miles (without timeouts, substitutions, or a ball to chase) is a higher level challenge in a brave new athletic world.
It is not just restless legs and a competitive spirit that have compelled me to run a marathon. I am also running to raise money for Boston Partners in Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children in the city's public school system. Looking back on my grade school experience my passions were probably a bit more pronounced on the recess field than in the classroom. But as I aged I became more aware and more appreciative of the doors my classroom education could open. And on this side of graduation, I grow more convinced each day that an education is truly one of the most powerful tools we have to transform our own lives and to make a meaningful difference in the world.
On a more personal note, I am profoundly grateful and eternally indebted to those teachers, coaches, advisors, (and librarians) who guided my own intellectual and personal development. Without them I would never have made it this far, much less be prepared to run 26 miles further. It is the selfless dedication of educators everywhere (Atlanta and Baltimore in particular) that has inspired me to undertake both these physical and financial endeavors, and I am thankful for the opportunity to give something back by doing something I love... running around the recess field (about 427 times.)
Please know that I am deeply appreciative of your support (in whatever form it comes) and I hope to see you on April 20th.
Sincerely,
Lauren Barrett Bobzin