When I ran the Marine Corps Marathon last year - my 6th time - I had a brief conversation with an individual in a racing chair and the runner pushing him. The short conversation, as well as the joy and determination and even the fatigue on their faces, stuck with me for the rest of the race and in the days that followed. I was moved enough to look up the organization that they represented. The more I learned about Ainsley's Angels and their mission, the more excited and motivated I was to try and be a part of it. In addition to ensuring everyone can experience endurance events, Ainsley's Angels of America aims to build awareness about America's special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life. I reached out, and found out last month that I would be able to run MCM this year helping to represent Ainsley's Angels! What's more, I would most likely be able to also push an athlete runner! AHHH!!! So incredibly excited, and just a teensy bit nervous ;-). But what a gift, to be able to be the legs for someone who has the heart of a runner. To be able to share the immeasure joy and comraderie and adrenaline that comes from a race course and the other participants with someone else so special.
I am so honored to be able to participate in this race every year, and even more so to share that experience so closely with someone else this year. Not only that, but to be able share Ainsley's Angels' story and mission with more people. Their motto is "Together We Shall". In these uncertain and scary times for many people, what an awesome reminder of what we can accomplish with open hearts and the support of each other. Thank you so much for your support of me, this awesome organization, and everyone who deserves to fly <3>
