Hello Everyone,

I am so excited to be a member of Team GROW!  The opportunity to run the NYC Marathon will fulfill a life long dream of mine as well as support the importance of physical activity and healthy living in children. I teach at a Title One school, and have personally received recess equipment donated from GROW Healthy Kids to my classroom.  I want raise funds to help make it possible for other teachers and their students at low-resource schools to have this opportunity as well.

I started running when I was in high school, and it was a game changer for me! I am now almost 44, and my running aspirations continue to soar! Running has always been a way for me to manage stress and build  friendships!  I hope to lead by example, and show running as a means decompress and build last relationships in a healthy way for future generations. I want our youth to incorporate physical fitness into their lives and hopefully their commitment to physical fitness will never die!

I never imagined I would ever run a marathon!  I have now run three marathons!  I am exciting to say I have two more marathons, including this race, in my future plans.  Never say never! 

I also want to help GROW Healthy Kids support running clubs.  My daughter ran Cross Country this year and GROW Healthy Kids helped with funding to enrich her experience.  Helping encourage and support future runners would be an honor for this runner mama!

Now, on to important information about GROW...

Remember the joy of running and playing as a kid? GROW Healthy Kids brings that experience to youth in low-resource communities, promoting physical activity and healthy living.

Our vision is to develop the healthiest children by supporting grassroots wellness initiatives. GROW is driven by our core values: Collaboration, Health, Inclusion, Leadership, and Devotion.

Our Programs:

🏃 GROW Steps: Provides new shoes to public school children in need.

🎾 GROW Recess: Supplies recess toys to low-resource schools.

🏅 GROW Run: Supports volunteer-led running programs.

⚽ GROW Trust: Distributes sports balls to law enforcement for positive community engagement.

Play helps kids manage stress, express emotions, and build resilience. Donate today to help us GROW healthy kids and communities!