Operation Access makes it possible for low-income, uninsured people to get needed surgical and specialty care, free of charge, through a medical volunteer network in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San... Learn More

Operation Access makes it possible for low-income, uninsured people to get needed surgical and specialty care, free of charge, through a medical volunteer network in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties.  These people are simply trying to make ends meet-- to provide for their families and care for their children. They cannot afford to pay for necessary medical care out of pocket. We bring them healing and hope, and enable them to live healthy and productive lives. In 2011, over 1500 people had operations like hernia and knee repairs and cataract removals that were donated by doctors, nurses, technicians who volunteer their time and skills, and the hospitals that support them. The value of the care provided in 2011 was  over $15 million. Help support OA and our amazing volunteers!  Join our Team!  To encourage you, we are offering an OA T-Shirts, Chico Bags, and reimbursement of registration fees at the following levels:     · 5K Run/Walk, Progressive Marathon, or Kids Run: $150 minimum     · First Half-Marathon or Second Half-Marathon: $350 minimum     · Full Marathon: $400 minimum     · Training & Registration any event: $900 minimum (Train For Free) We have 2 tickets to Disneyland for the person who fundraises the most, and 2 tickets for the person with the highest number of donations.  When registering for one of the races, enter the code OPACCESS for a $10 discount. A former patient inspired our participation in the SF Marathon. After a year of pain and unemployment, OA volunteers repaired a hernia and Achilles tendon for Jose, a landscaper and veteran marathon runner. He is back to work and back in the race, running the marathon to honor Drs. Richard Bland and Thomas Fitzgerald and all of the OA volunteers who help get people back on their feet. Jose's story was recently featured in the Sonoma Index-Tribune. Want to support our organization but not interested in fundraising? Sponsor an OA team member (below) or click on the orange "Donate" button on the top right corner of this page. Questions?  Email us at communications@operationaccess.org or call (415) 733-0052.  Check out what we do on our official website www.operationaccess.org Connect with us on Facebook Thank you for your interest and support. Hide

Autism affects one in 88 children. A child is diagnosed every 20 minutes. Come join the Train 4 Autism Team as we take on the 2012 San Francisco Marathon. The event takes place July 29, 2012. Come and be part of... Learn More

Autism affects one in 88 children. A child is diagnosed every 20 minutes. Come join the Train 4 Autism Team as we take on the 2012 San Francisco Marathon. The event takes place July 29, 2012. Come and be part of a great group of individuals committed to making a difference, promoting awareness, and raising funds for our cause.  RAISE FUNDS FOR A CAUSE & RACE FOR FREE!! Hide

Why do we run?
 Do you know the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24? The answer is suicide. Out of 100,000 kids... ...20.5 of those ages 10 to 24 will die by suicide in just 1... Learn More

Why do we run?
 Do you know the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24? The answer is suicide. Out of 100,000 kids... ...20.5 of those ages 10 to 24 will die by suicide in just 1 year (that we know of).  For every completed suicide, there are another 11 attempts that we don't hear about.  Many others aren't reported.  Why?  STIGMA. There is something you can do to stop this travesty.  Help kids have a voice to help other kids and save a life.  Just as a marathon or half marathon is a very long race, LETS youth are also on a difficult race: to erase the stigma of mental illness.  Let's invite kids to talk openly--and without stigma--about issues like teen suicide, bullying, eating disorders, self-harm, and mental health concerns.  And now that we're talking...let's run!   We run because it's fun, and we run because it matters! LETS works. LETS can't do this alone.  LETS needs a team...   Let’s race against stigma! Let’s run the San Francisco Marathon on July 29, 2012!  If you join Team LETS and meet the fundraising goal of $500, LETS Educational Foundation will reimburse your race registration fee.  Fundraise $1500 and receive a LETS engraved iPod Touch!  For complete program information, visit Let’s Run! Here’s how:   Register for the run or run/walk of your choice on the official race page: www.thesfmarathon.com Sign up to run with team LETS as an official team member: www.crowdrise.com/teamletssf2012 Email letsrun@lets.org to introduce yourself.  We’ll send you a fundraising toolkit, and a personal email (from a real human!) to thank you and answer any questions.   For reimbursement of the standard race registration fee, enter your address when you are setting up your fundraising page.  We’ll send you a check within one month after the race. Check your email for Team LETS updates and announcements, and please keep in touch! 
Let’s help kids talk!
 LETS is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) children’s charity dedicated to erasing the stigma of mental illness by funding and developing educational programs, mentoring opportunities, and research possibilities designed to empower youth to change the perception of mental illness.  Your donation will directly support our LETS Clubs in middle schools, high schools, and universities where students can discuss stigma, learn about mental health, lead their own stigma-erasing projects, and provide peer-to-peer education.
 How much does a secret weigh?
 Every time we see a teen suicide, bullying incident, eating disorder, or youth tragedy in the news, it breaks someone's heart--like yours or mine--as we wonder, how can we help?  But far more telling than what we see in the headlines is what remains unspoken.  One family is thinking, "We never saw this coming."  One teacher is thinking, "That happened here, too."  One friend is thinking, "I hope it wasn't my fault."  One leader is thinking, "Good thing we don't have those problems here."  One health care provider is thinking, "We did the best we could."  And thousands of kids are thinking, "I'm going through the same thing...but I can't tell anyone." 
Please support our exciting race for kids by running with Team Let’s Run in the San Francisco Marathon or sharing a donation. LETS Official Website Hide

Our RDS Runners are racing across the country to suppport Down syndrome cognitive research. The research RDS supports will lead to safe and effective therapies to improve learning and memory in persons with Down... Learn More

Our RDS Runners are racing across the country to suppport Down syndrome cognitive research. The research RDS supports will lead to safe and effective therapies to improve learning and memory in persons with Down syndrome. GO RDS RUNNERS in the San Francisco Marathon! Hide

On Sunday, July 29, 2012, in following her Momma's footsteps (literally), Skylar Bear will be doing her first fundraising run! During our visit to Beijing in April, we had the pleasure of visiting the New... Learn More

On Sunday, July 29, 2012, in following her Momma's footsteps (literally), Skylar Bear will be doing her first fundraising run! During our visit to Beijing in April, we had the pleasure of visiting the New Hope Foster Home, where they lovingly help abandoned babies by providing care and medical treatment for those with surgically correctable deformities.  As many of you know, the one-child rule in China means that thousands of babies born with deformities or health issues are abandoned every year.  While we cannot help them all, even one baby saved is worth the effort. With Hope Foster Home's great work, many children they are able to take into their Home make a full recovery and are adopted into loving "forever families" WORLDWIDE. Through their tireless efforts, Robin and Joyce (the founders and operators), have given many babies, otherwise destined for an early ending, a fighting chance at a life full of love and endless possibilities. Skylar was deeply affected by the babies she played with, she thoroughly enjoyed being their Jeh Jeh (big sister) and asked to return soon. She asked many questions and took everything in as she realized that she is, indeed, a lucky child. She realizes that there are many who are not as lucky as she to enjoy good health and a loving family. She wants to do her part to help them...and she needs your help to do it! Your donations, no matter how big or small, are much appreciated and completely tax deductible!  YAY for babies & you!! You can find out more about New Hope Foundation here:  www.hopefosterhome.com.  Show Hope is their US partner and major sponsor. This is how your donation can help: 1)    US $330 buys      a)    1 cleft lip or palate surgery; or      b)    1 months’ supply of special formula from the US for a baby who has Phenylketonuria (PKU) and needs this formula to prevent brain damage; or      c)    5-day supply of milk powded for babies in the Beijing Center. 2)    US$5000 buys      a)    2 month’s supply of diapers for f babies in the Beijing Center; or      b)    1 bowel surgery for a baby. 3)    US$10,000 buys      a)    3 months food supply for toddlers and staff meals; or      b)    5 months’ supply of medicines for the babies; or      c)    1 heart surgery. 4)    US$ 25,000 buys      a)    Coal supply for next winter; or      b)    5 bowel surgeries. 5)    US$50,000 buys      a)    5 heart surgeries; or      b)    1 year of electricity; or      c)    1 month salary for nannies and support staff of the Beijing unit. Hide

Help Freddie Walk The guy in these pictures is my friend Fred Hetzel. Freddie suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury in May 2011. He's currently undergoing cutting edge rehab therapy at the Frazier... Learn More

Help Freddie Walk The guy in these pictures is my friend Fred Hetzel. Freddie suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury in May 2011. He's currently undergoing cutting edge rehab therapy at the Frazier Rehabilitation Clinic in Louisville, KY in an attempt to regenerate nerve function, regain motor skills, and potentially walk again. As you can imagine, this sort of intensive therapy doesn't come cheap. That's where I come in (and you, too, I hope).  I'm running the San Francisco Marathon as a fundraiser to help cover some of the cost of helping Freddie walk again. You can donate directly through this website up to June 30, 2012.  Donations go directly to Fred's family through a charitable organization called HomeAid of Northern Virginia. HomeAid typically does community home renovations and builds homeless shelters. Because Fred's construction firm has partnered with them in the past as part of his commitment to giving back to his community, they stepped up to help by setting up an account to accept donations on his behalf when he was injured.  Don't Miss the Deadline -- June 30, 2012 I'm trying to raise $10,000 with this event. With a few hundred people kicking in $20, $30, $40, $50 each, we should be able to get there.  Freddie's a fighter and is putting everything he's got into getting his life back to normal with his wife and kids. It's my honor to help in whatever way I can.  As you think about donating, consider all that we take for granted that Fred is hoping to recover: standing, walking, playing with your kids, dancing with your spouse...the list goes on. Thanks in advance for your willingness to help.   If you would like additional information about The Frazier Rehabilitation Clinic please visit their website: http://www.jhsmh.org/Health-Services/Rehab-Services-Frazier-Rehab.aspx     Hide

Here’s how it works: If you raise….$100 you will receive a TeamAICR water bottle If you raise…$250 you will receive a TeamAICR running Jersey If you raise…$500 you will... Learn More

Here’s how it works: If you raise….$100 you will receive a TeamAICR water bottle If you raise…$250 you will receive a TeamAICR running Jersey If you raise…$500 you will receive a TeamAICR running Jersey and goodie bag If you raise…$750 you will receive all of the above and a FREE ENTRY into either the Full Marathon or 1st Half Marathon. If you raise…$1,000 or more you will receive all of the above, a FREE ENTRY and cool prizes from AICR.   TeamAICR is partnering with Crowdrise for the beautiful and challenging San Francisco Marathon in 2012! We can't wait to grow our team and share our mission with more people around the country. Why run for TeamAICR? Because we are the cancer research charity that funds research specifically on the links between nutrition/exercise and prevention and healing of cancer. Scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented by eating a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. We know marathon runners are committed to these goals, which makes YOU and US perfect partners. Run the race! Fund the Research! Spread the Word! WHAT YOU GIVE: Your dedication. Your endurance. Your voice to ask for support. WHAT YOU GET: Our salutation/admiration/appreciation/anticipation/communication/validation! Our goodie bag full of stuff with AICR all over it (including a seriously blue jersey)! Major kudos from scientists and reseachers whose endurance event takes place in labs and cancer centers across America; and from cancer patients and survivors whose endurance event is a life or death matter. JOIN US TODAY! Hide

Join our team! For every mile you run in the SF Marathon you will help to inspire urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. ... Learn More

Join our team! For every mile you run in the SF Marathon you will help to inspire urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. In 2001, the Bay Area affiliate of America SCORES began its first year of programming with 150 youth in five schools in San Francisco. We have grown to offer programs to more than 1,000 youth in grades one through six in 25 schools in San Francisco, Richmond and San Pablo. America SCORES Bay Area impacts communities through the power of teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Hide

Did you know the world’s leading landmine clearance organization has an office in San Francisco? Join Team HALO SF Marathon and race to clear landmines! You will help raise both awareness and money for... Learn More

Did you know the world’s leading landmine clearance organization has an office in San Francisco? Join Team HALO SF Marathon and race to clear landmines! You will help raise both awareness and money for mineclearance. Our vision is a Mine Free world in our lifetime – you can help us achieve it! If you want to join Team HALO, select the JOIN THE TEAM button. When you join, you’ll have your own fundraising page that you can share with your friends and family asking them to support you in the race. If you want to receive a guaranteed free race registration to the 2012 San Francisco Marathon, our fundraising minimum is $800. This is the approximate cost to clear four landmines in Cambodia. If you don’t want to receive a guaranteed free race registration and just want to raise any amount of money for HALO – that’s great too! Where HALO has cleared minefields and battlefields, farmers are now planting their crops, homes and roads are being rebuilt, and children walk to school, secure in the knowledge that their next step will be a safe one. This is thanks to supporters, like you. Hide

Worth the Hurt began as an inspired description of the famously hilly and scenic San Francisco Marathon, but in 2012, the event has turned into a distinct challenge, and a new model of charitable giving. On July... Learn More

Worth the Hurt began as an inspired description of the famously hilly and scenic San Francisco Marathon, but in 2012, the event has turned into a distinct challenge, and a new model of charitable giving. On July 29, 2012, The Wipro San Francisco Marathon will welcome six of running’s most prolific fund-raisers in an audacious challenge: to run the marathon twice, back-to-back. The 52.4-mile endeavor is only the starting point for Worth the Hurt — a ground-breaking model for charitable fundraising development. The six athletes are aiming to raise as much as $1,000,000 throughout the year. The athletes will fundraise not only for the ultra-marathon, but throughout the calendar year. Meredith Dolhare, one of the six Worth the Hurt athletes, selected the Women’s Sports Foundation as her charity of choice as a way to give back to the organization for all they did to advocate for her as a young female athlete and to promote their continued work to get girls active. “I would not be the self-assured, undaunted by challenges woman I am today without the Women’s Sports Foundation, who advocated for me at a young age while I was playing competitive tennis, and changed societal expectations in a crucial era. They really paved the way, and I would like to pay them back by supporting them through Worth the Hurt. So many young girls still need a push to get active, and it is imperative that they do.” — Meredith Dolhare Meredith Dolhare is a 38-year-old mother of two boys. A few years ago she was sitting at home lamenting a recent foot surgery. A former competitive youth tennis player and student athlete at ULCA and Vanderbilt, she was frustrated by her injury and the fact she was not as active as she used to be. Her husband encouraged her by saying, “You just need to set a goal — something to look forward to when you are better. Do a race or something when it is healed.” Her response, “Fine. You know what? I’m going to do an Ironman,” which is a race consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. Interestingly, Meredith did not even own a bike at that point. Since that day in 2008, Meredith has completed 12 Ironman competitions. Today, Meredith is an avid ultra endurance athlete who races to raise funds for non-profits that make a difference. In 2012, Meredith is raising money and awareness for the Women’s Sports Foundation, a national non-profit that advances the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity. She will also set a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most Ironman sanctioned competitions completed by a woman in one year, including five races in consecutive weekends.  Hide

Dear friends and family, Despite considerable progress in the fight against breast cancer, it is still the most frequently diagnosed type of non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among... Learn More

Dear friends and family, Despite considerable progress in the fight against breast cancer, it is still the most frequently diagnosed type of non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in our country. My mother, the most important woman in my life, is a breast cancer survivor and I am inspired by her every day to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. I am running this race because breast cancer is a disease that has touched far too many lives. Please donate to support my fundraising effort and help make a difference in future of women's health. Thanks so much! Hide

On July 29, 2012, I will be running the San Francisco Marathon to raise funds and awareness for this amazing organization that I was introduced to after the birth of my son six months ago. That organization is... Learn More

On July 29, 2012, I will be running the San Francisco Marathon to raise funds and awareness for this amazing organization that I was introduced to after the birth of my son six months ago. That organization is CHERUBS - The Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support. Cherubs is the largest non-profit organization dedicated to research, global awareness, and support of families affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia is a severe birth defect that occurs in 1 of every 2500 births. It occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung development. Half of all babies born with CDH do not survive. The cause of CDH is unknown. CDH is as common an occurrence as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis, yet there is so little awareness and research being conducted. A baby is born with CDH every 10 minutes, and it is estimated that over a 250,000 babies have died from CDH since the year 2000. Our little "Cherub" Tate was born in September of 2011, and is one of the blessed Cherubs who has survived CDH. This charity is a great source of information, and a way for parents of survivors, as well as grieving parents to connect with one another. I respectfully ask for your support! With much appreciation, Dan Napers Hide

  Bindlestiff Needs You! When Bindlestiff Studio opened in 1989, it was a small black box theater located in the basement of an SRO hotel in the heart of 6th St, South of Market in Downtown San... Learn More

  Bindlestiff Needs You! When Bindlestiff Studio opened in 1989, it was a small black box theater located in the basement of an SRO hotel in the heart of 6th St, South of Market in Downtown San Francisco…until the City’s Redevelopment Agency bought the property in 2003, displacing the hotel’s residents and the artists that called Bindlestiff home. The artists and volunteers of Bindlestiff organized, formed a 501c3 non-profit, and successfully negotiated to have a new theater built on the ground floor of the affordable-housing complex the City planned to build. After an arduous eight-year-long struggle, the resurrected Bindlestiff Studio opened its doors in September 2011. But we need your help to keep them open!  The money you raise will help Bindlestiff continue to be an epicenter of performing arts, which provides affordable live entertainment, low-cost arts education, and a vital meeting space for the community. Your generous support helps to foster the arts in Bay Area and contributes to the revitalization 6th St. Please join Bindlestiff’s marathon race team. Step 1: Register for the race! Step 2: Join our team on Crowdrise and start fundraising! Once you’ve joined the team you’ll receive an email from our coordinator with more information. All runners will receive the following: 1)   a free Bindlestiff t-shirt 2)   two-pairs of free tickets to any future show 3)   your name on a commemorative plaque that will be permanently hung at the theater   Want to support our organization but not interested in fundraising? Donate on Crowdrise. Questions? Email aaron.niles@gmail.com Check out what we do on our Official Website Connect with us on Facebook   Hide

Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of those experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. Back on My... Learn More

Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of those experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. Back on My Feet (BoMF) does not provide food nor does it provide shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. All members - regardless of race, education or socioeconomic status - join together to move their own lives forward as well as the lives of their teammates. Each team runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:45 a.m. After 30 days in our program, each member who maintains 90% attendance moves to the Next Steps phase. Next Steps enables members to move towards self-sufficiency through educational and job training opportunities. Additionally, each member has the opportunity to earn $1,250 in financial aid to assist in their efforts toward self-sufficiency. Hide