June 27, 2009: 25,000 runners and walkers take over the streets of Seattle for the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. A photographer spots a bright orange shirt and wonders what it is.
Thousands of miles away, a child in Africa is trying to make sense of life. His father left when he was young. His mother just passed away from the “big disease.” He is left to care for his 3 siblings and wonder what they will eat tonight.
What is the connection? While some will run to win, break a personal record or just to be part of this historical event, one hundred or so of us, wearing bright orange shirts, will run or walk for a very different reason. We are part of Team World Vision. We run or walk because we care. We care about the little boy in Africa and many others who are not fortunate as we are.
For the past 4 or 5 years, I have been wondering how I can use my love of fitness in all its forms not just for my own pleasure but to make a difference. Team World Vision is God’s answer to my heart’s desire. This is hopefully the first of a long series of charity events for me. Because God did not give me the gift of running, I will walk for half of the Marathon.
How can you support my effort?
- Remember the little boy in Africa.
- Pray for me as I train.
- Help me train by taking me on a long walk or hike. I need to build to 13.1 miles.
- Use this page to donate to the cause of World Vision. If 20 of us give $100 or 100 of us give $20, it’s $2,000 that will go directly to support children in Africa.
World Vision works to tackle the root causes of poverty by working with children, families, and their communities to provide things like clean water, health care, nutritious food, education, and economic opportunities. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
The race is on!
Marielle
Fore more information:
http://www.firstgiving.com/mariellegerard
http://www.worldvision.org/team
http://www.rnrseattle.com/