A MESSAGE FROM Zina
Thank you for visiting my fabulous fundraising page!
Here's the deal:
5 years ago I was diagnosed with a rare chronic liver disorder. It changed my life.
3 years ago my Dad had the unexpected idea to take me to the Grand Canyon for part of my recovery (if you knew my dad, this wouldn’t surprise you), so I could prove to myself I could triumph over a physical challenge, and no longer feel limited… it was crazy, dangerous, and it worked! It changed my life.
Last year I had the honor of being given a full grant, an Athenaship, with Project Athena for the Keys2Recovery event where we biked and paddled 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West in 3 days… As an “Athena” I learned what it was like to accomplish a physical goal in community, and gain a new family of support. It changed my life.
This year I’m fundraising to go back to the Grand Canyon with the Project Athena Foundation (PAF) to support another Athena to reach her recovery dreams in this remarkable PAF family. This is going to change someone’s life.
That's where you come in.
I have never fundraised for literally anything. I'm not proud of that, it's just a fact that I have never felt so personally called to an organization. In case you didn’t already figure this out: this organization, Project Athena, has changed my life. I realized by being an Athena, that I’m stronger and braver than I ever thought. My experience with Project Athena Foundation (PAF) inspired me to go from using my illness as my personal work, to using my illness as my public work. It has given me the personal fire to get out there to make a bigger difference in other people's lives who are struggling with illness. (Check out my new website/blog!) If you're interested, here's a link to a bit about what I wrote about my adventure with PAF, which PAF kindly shared with one of their major sponsors, Peloton Global. So now’s the time folks.
Getting to celebrate a birthday is precious. In honor of my 35th birthday, I’m asking you to please donate to this amazing, life-changing, organization so that another woman can have the opportunity to reach her recovery dreams by going to the Grand Canyon! Any amount of support would help, seriously! Thank you in advance for considering giving this gift to an Athena. (I know you were going to get me cupcakes, but I can wait till next year).
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. (It also may, or may not, involve more glitter, rainbows, fluffy bunnies, and unicorns appearing spontaneously in your life... just keep an eye out.) Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
One thing I learned from PAF is never to limit myself, so I have decided to support not just one event/Athena but two, Santa Barbara and Grand Canyon (why not maximize the love?!). So, if you feel so inclined, support either one, or both! Check out my other page for Santa Barbara Intro to Adventure Racing, June 2016!
Huge XO and sassy jazzhands to each and every one of you!
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