We all have special people that have touched our lives, each with an impressionable and unique fingerprint that will never be removed from our hearts. They have enriched the way we look at the world, given us hope, and illustrated what elemental and unpretentious love looks like.
In my life, that person is my brother, Craig. Craig was born with multiple physical and developmental special needs, but to me, he is much more than a list of disabilities and limitations. “Craiger”, as he is more affectionately called, inspires me to always give others my best, encourages me to push through when life seems uncomfortable, and convicts me that our life’s purpose is to serve one another out of love.
Being Craig’s sister has given me a tender heart for special needs children and individuals. My love and concern for their lives has spilled over into my career choice, too, as I am a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse. But for a long time, I’ve wanted to do more…for Craig…for my parents…for others who are disabled and for their caretakers…
To that end, I decided it was time to take action. Like so many, I wasn’t sure where to start. What could I possibly do that would make a difference and lasting impact on these precious lives? One morning, while on my daily run, it came to me. I realized that running was my opportunity to do something. Running was the answer. It was time to step up to the Starting Line!
My primary goals are to create awareness and generate financial support for the Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP) program in Watkinsville, Georgia. This program is dear to me because Craig has attended ESP for many years. ESP is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a love for developmentally disabled individuals and their families in and around North East Georgia. ESP’s goal of improving the lives of those with special needs is carried out by providing year-round skills training and social services. Their largest and most expensive program of the year is the ESP Summer Camp, which offers a wide range of activities planned to enhance each camper's social, cognitive, adaptive, and motor skills. ESP camp helps campers to build confidence and independence. Without ESP camp, many of the children would regress during the summer and lose some of the skills they worked so hard to attain during the school year. ESP camp is also very important for developing and reinforcing social skills and forming life-long friendships.
It is my intent to raise funds for ESP through donations and sponsorships as I prepare for and complete 6 marathons in 6 months, beginning with the Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2009.
With great passion and respect for ESP and the lives that it touches, I am asking for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Together, we CAN make a difference!
ESP is dedicated to giving each and every child a way to attend camp, regardless of income. While families are charged an affordable rate, ESP works to offset and supplement the additional cost through fundraisers and donations. YOUR donation WILL fill a need!
Camp Cost Facts:
ESP Day Camp-One Week:
Actual cost $500. Actual paid by family $90
Sponsor a child for 1 week of ESP Day Camp: $410
Sponsor a child for 6 weeks of ESP Day Camp: $2, 460
Or, your donation may be designated for a specific child-or need.
Please join me in supporting Extra Special People, Inc!
http://www.extraspecialpeople.com
Visit my blog http://www.peaceloveand262.blogspot.com for a "running total" of donations, current ESP Summer Camp photos of the kids in action, and my training progress!
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.