A MESSAGE FROM Katie
In 4 months I completed 4 half marathons, one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. Now, I’m going for an ever BIGGER goal!
This November I will run my first Full Marathon (26 Miles). This will be a huge challenge for me, but one I’m ready to work for. I figure, if I’m going to run 26 miles, on purpose, I should probably do it for a good cause :)
I’ll be running the NYC Marathon for the Make A Wish Foundation.
My first introduction to the Make A Wish Foundation was during my time as a news reporter in West Virginia.
I did a story on a young boy named Colton Dean. He was 10 years old at the time and battling a rare type cancer.
I instantly fell in love with this little boy and his incredible family.
I had the amazing opportunity to witness Colton receive an outpouring support from his community as he battled cancer. He became an honorary firefighter and got to ride on a fire truck as the grand marshal of the Strawberry Festival parade. He invited me to join him.
Colton was granted a wish through the Make A Wish Foundation. The wish he CHOSE was for all the children at the Children’s Hospital where he was treated, to receive nerf guns and snuggies. He could have had anything he wanted, he chose that.
When we interviewed him, his message to everyone watching at home was to “Keep Strong, Keep Moving Forward and Fight For The Stuff You Want.”
Colton passed away, at the age of 11.
That quote, his memory, and his kindness have stayed with me ever since.
I’ve since done several stories as a news reporter with the Make A Wish foundation as they granted wishes of other young children. Seeing the smiles on those kids faces and the pure joy those wishes brought, is the reason I’ve always wanted to be involved with the Make A Wish Foundation.
Today I’m beyond honored to take on this massive challenge, while also raising money and bringing attention to such an incredible organization.
Every little bit helps, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting such an amazing cause ♥️
(Make-A-Wish is once again proud to be a charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon! Team Make-A-Wish is adding more meaning to their miles by being a part of a powerful community that is running to make wishes come true.No matter the circumstances, every child deserves a childhood. Life-changing wishes wouldn't happen without the power of donors like you. Your support gives children much-needed hope for brighter days ahead. When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.We have been granting wishes for over 40 years. To date, Make-A-Wish Metro and Western New York has granted over 15,000 wishes to children in the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau county and 17 counties in the Buffalo and Rochester areas!Hope is essential for children with critical illnesses, and you can unlock its life-changing power today. Please help by donating today to make wishes come true. Thank you for your support!)
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