This is it - I am hooked! Looking back three years ago, I had no idea I would end up falling in love with running and competing in events to support the vast array of organizations needing our help.  I began slowly back in 2014, with the initial interest in living a more healthy lifestyle and getting in better physical condition.  That rush quickly took hold of me and I soon began to enter in the local 5K races, all the while pulling my husband and 4 year old son with me!

Before I knew it, I was entering into half marathons, which began in 2015 and helped set a personal goal to run a full marathon in 2016.  My first full marathon was in January 2016 at Disney World in Orlando.  From then on this is all I wanted to do - run, but run for a cause - to help others.  I soon was connected to GLASA and was astounded by the work they do for helping anyone obtain the ability to be athletic and live out their dreams.  This will be my second year running for GLASA and I am just as excited this year as I was in 2016.  I saw first hand how our fundraising is converted to helping so many people and it just blew me away.  I did not have to be asked to join for 2017, as I had already made up my mind soon after the 2016 Chicago Marathon!  The picture above is an example of who GLASA helps, and also relates to me as a new personal goal to compete in a triathlon someday - after I learn to swim!

From helping Veterans to children, and everyone in between GLASA helps provide support of all kinds for those in need.  I ask for your help no matter how small to help me reach my fundraising goal of $1,000 which every penny goes to help people like you see here through the generosity of GLASA and its volunteeers.  I am so proud to run for such a great organization and hope you will help propel me past my goal.

Some important details about GLASA:

Our motto is "Let No One Sit on the Sidelines".  Every penny goes to helpig those in need of staying in the game.

GLASA serves over 625 youth, adults and injured military veterans with physical or visual diabilities each and every year.  GLASA promotes and supports optimal development and well-being of disabled youth and adults through the provision of insclusive recreational fitness and competitive sports activities.  GLASA also offers opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership, and training collaboration with communitiy-based organizations.

GLASA caters to people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions to help forge relationships across all boundaries.

GLASA supports over 25 different sports, including archery, boccia, cycling, goalball, golf, judo, kayaking, power soccer, softball, scuba diving, sled hockey, snow skiing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track & field, water skiing, weight lifting, wheelchair basketball and football, yoga, and so much more.

Each program features customized adaptive equipment and specialized coaching to allow those individuals the ability to fully participate and be successful.  Programs are running nearly year-round for helping them reach national guidelines in certain sporting events.  Coaches, staff, and volunteers are thoroughly dedicated to each person's level of success and involvement in their respctive sport.

I hope you will join me in helping GLASA yet again give back to their participants who so desperately want to enjoy life like everyone else!  I cannot wait for October 2017 to come where I will be in the Chicago Marathon yet again, running for such a great cause.  Please give what you can for GLASA!