The things that inspire each of us to confront a challenge may be different.   I have been fortunate to be inspired from so many different places and by so many different people to confront this latest challenge; to give my time, talent and treasure for the chance to inspire someone else.  I have accepted the challenge of running the Boston Marathon (my time and talent-training isn’t easy) to help Boston Partners in Education raise money to accomplish its mission. And, I am donating to the cause. I'm running because I want to inspire others to believe we can close the gaps (education and health) together one step at a time.  Please help me and help make a difference in someone else’s life.

I’ve been an athlete most of my life, but I was not a runner.  Now I am.  In 2009, after giving birth to my son, I was 208 lbs. and had high blood pressure.  For the first time in my life, a doctor told me to lose weight.  It was time to get moving, and I did.  I lost the weight and lowered my blood pressure.  I kept running adding distances.  I even started recruiting others to run with me.  People started asking me if I was going to run a marathon.  I kept saying "no" because I couldn’t see myself running a marathon.  That changed in the summer of 2011 after I agreed to join a friend on a 20 mile run.  In December 2011, I completed my first marathon. 

Even though I completed the marathon, I was disappointed with the experience.  I was wondering what was next when I was invited to join Team Boston in Partners in Education.  I couldn’t say no.  Education is an issue near and dear to my heart.  I came from a family that encouraged (well, pretty much demanded) that I get a good education.   But, with all of the help my family gave me, there were plenty of mentors, coaches and teachers along the way who pointed me in the right direction. 

The work that Boston Partners in Education does gives many more children the exposure to inspirational mentors and endless possibilities. 

Please join me in this incredible adventure by making a donation of any amount.  The $5,000 goal is sizeable and so is the marathon.  I’ll get to Boston from Hopkinton one step at a time, and you can help me reach my fundraising goal with even a dollar donation.  Please do what you can and thank you in advance.