Do you have a top tune that you can listen to over and over again; leave for awhile, come back, and like a good friend, it's still there ready to party down or just chill?  Mine is, "Every single soul", by Michael Franti and Spearhead.  I met this gem of tune by accident one day back in 2002 because I bought an album based on the cover (yup, I am one of those people who does that).  The rest is history: graduating college, joining the Marine Corps, giving birth to my beautiful son, Paxton Wayne, and now, the Boston Marathon.

I have never run a marathon or set out to raise $5,000.  Yet, here I am, training to run the 2012 Boston Marathon in support of the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership to end homelessness one mile at a time (www.mbhp.org).  What possessed me to do this, I am not sure really.  I think more than anything, I just felt like it.  Working in a pinkish-grey cubicle, right underneath a vent that blows cold, stinky air can make you do crazy things I guess.

Fortunately, this marathon isn’t about me.  It is about MBHP’s mission to end homeless in Boston and 29 surrounding areas.  MBHP provides individuals and families with the tools, support and education to find and maintain affordable housing.  MBHP also reaches out to over 4,300 property owners and management companies to ensure tenants have safe, decent housing.  Some of the programs available through MBHP are the family self sufficiency program, housing consumer education center and property owner services.  The success stories through MBHP are a direct result of people’s charitable donations, whether it is $25 or $100.  Every dollar counts.

Having a place to call home is more than just a structure made of wooden beams and nails.  It is a place where memories are made, where responsibility is learned, dance moves are practiced and hugs perfected.  It is a place free from judgment and a place to rest your feet.  It is these simple truths that push me to train and fundraise in support of Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership.  By donating towards MBHP on my behalf, you and I are providing countless individuals and families the opportunity to get back on their own two feet and become stronger, which in turn will strengthen our community.

Come April 16th, I hope to have achieved raising $5,000 and to finish the race before the sun sets.  Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your donation. 

“I'd like to sing a little song
dedicated to the people who would like to sing along
'cause every little song has little beats and notes
like every little lake has little trees and boats
all people deserve a safe and warm home
'cause every single soul is a poem” – Lyrics Michael Franti, song “Every single soul”