As a runner I can sometimes be very selfish about my training, diet, schedule, sleep, etc.  Most of the time my running is just something that benefits me.  It makes me feel better and I enjoy it.  When I decided to run the Chicago Marathon I wanted to run for more than myself.  I wanted to use my passion for running to try and make a difference in the world.  So I looked for a charity organization that would allow me to use my running to raise money for a worthy cause.  

I came across World Vision when I was reading an article about Ryan Hall.  I was already familiar with World Vision but didn't know they had marathon teams.  As soon as I saw this  I knew this was the right charity for me to support. 

World Vision is making a huge difference in the lives of children around the world.  They are attacking poverty, providing clean water and medical care to the most needy children in the world.  One program that they have is to sponsor a child.  By doing this you provide this child with food, clean water, medical care, education and other essentials for them to grow up to be a healthy adult.  My family sponsors a child and it has made a big difference in our lives.  My children get to write her letters and they learn how lucky we are in the United States.  It is a very satisfying feeling know that we are impact a young girls life half way around the world.

Small things that we do in our life can make huge differences when we do them with purpose.  My purpose is to finish the Chicago Marathon as fast as I can but I will be running for much more than that.  I will be doing my part to make a difference in the lives of children around the world.  This is not something that I can do by myself.  I need you to do your part so this vision can be realized.  You don't have to run a marathon but if you can either make a donation or sponsor a child through World Vision we can make a difference together. 
 

Here is how you can support my efforts through Team World Vision:

Click on the SPONSOR ME NOW button to make a one time donation.

or

Click on the SPONSOR A CHILD button below to change the life of a child for $35 per month, and be changed through your relationship with that child.

Thank you for helping,

Jim Flowers