Running the New York City Marathon has been a dream of mine for years. I remember watching emotional videos of runners crossing the finish line, proving to themselves that they could do hard things and accomplish goals they once thought were impossible. Growing up in New Jersey, this iconic race always felt a little closer to home, and I never imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to be part of it myself.
This November, that dream is becoming a reality as I run my very first marathon. What makes this experience even more meaningful is that I'll be sharing it with one of my best friends, Savannah Nowak. Savannah's dad was adopted through Gladney, giving her family a personal connection to the organization's mission. She will also be running the NYC Marathon as a member of Team Gladney, and when a last-minute charity spot became available on the team, she encouraged me to apply. Having been friends for nearly 10 years, it is especially meaningful to me to support a cause that has played such an important role in her family's story. The opportunity to train for, experience, and complete this iconic race together while raising funds for an organization that means so much to her family is something I know I'll remember for the rest of my life.
As a member of Team Gladney, I have committed to raising $5,000 to support children and families through Gladney's adoption and family support services. While crossing the finish line is a personal goal, I'm proud to have my miles support a mission that helps create brighter futures and lasting family connections.
Every donation, no matter the amount, helps me get one step closer to both my fundraising goal and the starting line in New York City. Thank you for supporting me, following along on my marathon journey, and helping make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.
When you choose to support Gladney, you will impact so many people at different stages of their adoption journey. Your gift will help Gladney build on their legacy of hope; find permanent, loving, and resourceful homes for children; and give families the support they need to thrive. Thank you for cheering me on as I train for the TCS New York City Marathon and helping me meet my fundraising goal!
Every child deserves a loving and caring family. That is the Gladney Why--a belief that guides their work every day. Gladney has come a long way since their founding 138 years ago. Adoption has evolved over the past century, and exactly how Gladney cares for people must change. Who they care for remains the same: expectant moms, birth parents, waiting children, adoptive parents, and of course, children and adults who have been adopted.
Gladney will not rest until all children in need know the love and stability of a permanent family. That's why they have expanded their adoption education and outreach and why they're highlighting the stories of waiting children in Texas foster care and in international orphanages. Gladney has also expanded to offer post adoption counseling--making mental health support services available to birth parents, adoptive families, and adopted children and adults--no matter where they are in their adoption journey.
I hope you will be inspired to join me in supporting their work and supporting my dream by making a (tax-deductible!) gift. If you prefer to make a donation another way (check, donor advised fund or ACH) or if your company partially or fully matches donations, please let me know! I can send you instructions for how to send those directly to Gladney and amke them count towards my fundraising goal. Thank you for supporting me on this journey. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps me get one step closer to both the starting line and my fundraising goal.
