A MESSAGE FROM Ashley
Hi and Welcome to my 2022 NYC Marathon Fundraising Page!
This year my child Faith said they wanted to run the NYC Marathon before they turned 20. What we didn't realize was
1. that meant this year.
2. I had a guaranteed entry from 2021 and
3. The odds are really in favor of those who enter the lottery... a 1 in 16 chance to be exact.
Within 3 weeks we were looking at training plans and schedules. I say we loosely. I waiting until the very last minute to officially kick off training and focused on building a strong base and sleeping in ;)
That was the 'fun' part.
Now for the Work...
We have been logging over 100 miles a month. From Texas to New Mexico to England to France to New York, we have consistently 'done the work' as my Coach used to say. Over 100 degrees, in high desert, thunder storms, we have developed some calluses and cravings for cold plunges.
But the most important part...
Aside from having this once in a life time experience with my child- and it truly has been epic in training alone- I get to raise money once again for an organization that helps women around the world give birth safely.
Every TWO minutes a woman dies giving birth- that's over 300,000 women a year around the world.
99% of the deaths happen in developed countries.
The US is the only industrialized country that see the rate rise each year.
Women of color are disproportionately effected.
I myself had complications when giving birth to my second child and still vividly remember the fear and stress. Living on an island 45 minutes from the hospital. The blood bank was located on a different island so I was sent there 2 weeks before my delivery to 'wait it out'. I had to leave my son with friends. My husband had to take off work. We bounced from place to place until my water broke. And I will admit, my circumstances were the best case.
That said, not much has changed in the last 20 years.
Every Mother Counts is working to change that and not just in the US, but around the world.
By giving quality, respectful and equitable maternity care for all by giving grants and working with partners and thought leaders to increase awareness and mobilize communities to take action they can have directly impacted over 1 MILLION lives.
Where You Come In...
I'm asking that you support me by supporting Every Mother Counts.
My personal goal is $3500, but I have a feeling we can raise more than that?
What do you say?
Want to help me surpass it?
I'd love to have you be part of this amazing journey with me.
Thank's for coming to my TedTalk!
xo,
ash
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