Every October I am inspired by this amazing group of individuals who come together to form Team Running Strong.  After five years of coordinating the team, I've decided to literally join in and be apart of the inspiration...AND I talked my brother into joining the fun!So on Sunday, October 30th, my brother Patrick and I will be participating in our first marathon (first long run of any kind!) We are asking our friends and family to support us in our training and fundraising efforts to help us cross that finish line!

If you're not familiar with the cause that Team Running Strong supports, please visit www.indianyouth.org.   And as my friends and family, you should be familiar because I work for the organization!

The needs on American Indian reservations are real.  Suicide rates for Native youth are twice the national average.  Life expectancy on the Pine Ridge Reservation is the lowest in the western hemisphere, outside of Haiti.  Ziebach county on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation has the highest child poverty rate in the country.

Billy Mills and Running Strong for American Indian Youth have been helping to address many of these needs for over 25 years strong.  What makes Running Strong unique is our relationship with our program partners like the Cheyenne River Youth Project, the Slim Buttes Agricultural Program, the Mni Wiconi (Lakota for "Water is Life") water well program, the Brave Heart Society, the Center Pole.  These programs are run by Native Americans themselves, living and serving in thier own communities, helping thier children and families, working together to build strong, healthy and sustainable solutions.

Thank you for considering a donation. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Blessings,

Pat and Megan