On November 5th, I will run the New York City Marathon for Every Mother Counts to raise funds and awareness to ensure that more women have access to lifesaving maternal healthcare; my personal goal is to raise $3,500.

I first learned about Every Mother Counts in college and admired the mission and advocacy efforts. I am now working in public health, a mom of two, and still running; it feels fitting to be part of the team. 

The importance of maternal care became even more clear to me when, about halfway through my pregnancy with my son, I found out at a routine prenatal appointment that I was at risk of going into extremely preterm labor. My privilege granted me access to the necessary specialists and resources, allowing me to give birth to a healthy, full term baby months later.  

Running is a big part of Every Mother Counts, which was born from the recognition that not all women enjoy the same access and privilege when it comes to maternity care. EMC runs as a way to raise awareness of maternal health disparities.

Likewise, running has been a constant thread throughout different seasons of my life, though it has looked different throughout the years - from high school and college cross country, to post-collegiate road, trail, and mountain racing, training for my first marathon, running through pregnancies, and returning to racing after having kids. 

Every donation helps--$5 is enough to provide transportation to a safe birth facility for a pregnant woman in Uganda so she doesn't have to walk.

$32 can provide essential antenatal and delivery supplies and equipment to care for one woman in Karatu, Tanzania.

$50 can pay for five hours of legal counseling for victims of maternal health rights violations in India.

$150 can provide a clean, safe birth kit for 50 moms in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

$238 can pay for a stocked midwifery backpack of supplies for one student in Guatemala.

$360 can provide individualized education and support on breastfeeding, nutrition, self-care and newborn care for three women in Central Florida.

Learn More: Every Mother Counts Website