Hello friends and family!
If I am going to run 100 miles, I am going to run for a cause that’s more important than just the miles. I am honored to have been accepted to join Team Run 2 Empower for the Vermont 100 mile endurance race. Our team’s goal is to raise awareness and funds for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport, a nonprofit organization that empowers people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming. So, what's my WHY?
Movement is powerful. It can create change in a person’s physical, emotional and mental state. It can change lives, as it has mine. Becoming active and competing opened my world and taught me we are capable of so much more than we believe. That anything is possible!
However, the ability to move in ways we want is something that we should be grateful for. In 2018, I experienced a trauma that took that ability away. My iliac arteries had completely occluded and I had 0% blood flow to both my legs. My life was turned upside down. Movement was my lifestyle, not just a hobby. From that moment, it took everything in my power to change my mindset from, “My life is over'' to “ I will do whatever it takes to work my way back”. A positive mindset saved my life. I was able to come back.
This experience made me much more aware of how critical movement is and how EVERYONE deserves the ability to move and embrace life outdoors. THIS is why I believe Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is such an IMPERATIVE program. Empowering individuals to be able to participate in sports provides invaluable experiences that help both their body and mind. These experiences can be life changing. They give people confidence in believing they CAN do what they thought impossible. That confidence and growth mindset will carry over into other aspects of life! Vermont Adaptive gives this opportunity to ALL people no matter what their disability. There is no greater impact on a person than giving them the ability to move.
This is why I am committed to fundraising for Vermont Adaptive as I embark on my journey to completing my first 100 mile race, the Vermont 100. As I train for this event, I will breathe gratitude for my ability to be out there running. And when I wake up at 3:30 AM to get my training in, I will do so WITH GRATITUDE. I will work hard to train but more importantly spread the word about the incredible work done by Vermont Adaptive.
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
Thank you so much!
MORE INFO:
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The organization believes sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.
With nearly 400 active volunteer instructors, plus generous partners and sponsors, and an amazing base of clients and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities in New England for over 30 years. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.
The VT 100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports biggest fund raisers every year. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports: www.vermontadaptive.org.