What are you passionate about? Running? Travel? Cooking?...As most of you know, triathlons are my passion.  There's something about pushing myself to (and sometimes beyond ) my physical limit that energizes me mentally and physically.  And you just can't beat the euphoria of crossing the finish line!  Imagine for a moment that you suffered a traumatic injury so severe that the activities you're passionate about were seemingly gone forever...not to mention having what we colloquially call the "struggle of daily life" becoming just that: a minute by minute physical struggle with no end in sight. 

    That is precisely what happened to Catherine Freck.  While she, an amateur cyclist, was training for the USA Cycling Nationals in 2013 she was run over in a crosswalk by a speeding Chevy Suburban.  In the blink of an eye her life changed forever.  She was airlifted to a nearby trauma center with little chance of survival...but she's no quitter.  That's why three years and countless grueling hours of rehab later, she is ready to get "back on the horse" again and try her hand at a new adventure. And I want to help her do it!   

    Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Robin Benincasa, the founder of Project Athena.  Robin is a former fire fighter, ten-time ironman finisher, three-time Guinness Endurance Paddling World Record holder...not to mention a survivor and hero to many.  After a traumatic injury took her out of the sport she loves, she created the Project Athena Foundation as a way of rebuilding her spirit and the spirits of women like her.  I was truly touched and inspired by her story and by the organization she created to give women ("Athenas") who have suffered medical and traumatic setbacks the opportunity to make their own comebacks by training and participating in endurance adventures. 

    When I heard about Project Athena, I knew I wanted to get involved.  So this November I will be partnering with some of these amazing Athenas to embark on a 3 day kayaking/cycling adventure covering 120 miles. That's a lot of miles and we've been training hard for it! 

    I'd like to ask for your help in making this adventure a success.  I have volunteered to raise $3,000 to support an Athena on this 3 day adventure. This support covers all her coaching, travel and gear costs to participate in the adventure.  A (tax-deductible) gift from you - small or large - will help an Athena experience the life-changing joy, pride and sense of accomplishment that many of us take for granted when we do the things we are passionate about. Help me change a life!

    Thank you so much for reading this and any contribution you make.  I invite you to visit the Project Athena website and read more about the organization and the women whose lives it has changed. 

-Jennifer

http://projectathena.org/