In a two months my brother Michael and I will be running the 2015 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11th.  We are running in hopes of raising money and awareness for GLASA.  I was introduced to Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association last year during an event in collaboration with Emmet and Patrick’s hockey program.    Simply called “The Sleds Are Coming!”, it was hands down the most inspiring event I have attended in years.  To see players out on the ice of all ages focusing on their abilities and not disabilities gave me goose bumps.  When I got home, I immediately checked out the GLASA website for volunteer opportunities to see how I could help this incredible organization.   I spotted the Chicago Marathon as one, so I called to see what sort of volunteers they needed.  Fifteen minutes into the call I had somehow gone from thinking I would volunteer as some sort of helper to committing to run the 2015 Chicago Marathon.  At the time this seemed like a good idea for two reasons, I could help raise money for GLASA as well as complete a personal goal prior to November. 

In 2013 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She successfully beat the cancer after several chemo and radiation treatments.  That diagnosis led to the discovery that both my mother and I are carriers of the BRCA gene.  (You probably know it as the gene Angelina Jolene made famous.  Who would have guessed I share the same genes with Angelina?)   In early November I am scheduled to have a double mastectomy, the first of a series of surgeries designed to decrease my chances of breast and ovarian cancer.   While these various “ectomies”, aren’t a disability, it certainly gave me a greater appreciation for all the courage and strength the members of GLASA face on a daily basis.   On a very personal level, I thought the marathon would be a good last “hurrah!” for my body, as I know it.   Somehow I even suckered my brother Michael into doing it with me.    This will be my third marathon.  My last one was in 2013, after which I traded my sneakers for a yoga mat.  (I have a mean savasana.)  Training has been more of a struggle this time around. Michael has done what seems like hundreds of marathons and an IRONMAN, so if it gets really bad maybe he can give me a piggyback ride for the last 20 miles.   We would both appreciate any support you would be willing give us while we run with Team GLASA!   (As well as any inspiring training tips, one of us might be a bit behind in HER training!)

So when you see me in a year with totally fake boobs and a fupa, you will know the backstory!

Info on the GLASA Mission & Vision:

www.glasa.com

To promote and support the optimal development and well being of youth and adults who have a primary physical or visual impairment through the provision of inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities and to offer opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community-based organizations. The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association believes that the quality of life should never be limited by a physical or visual impairment. We believe that it is possible to remove boundaries, elevate expectations, fulfill dreams, enhance selfworth and empower individuals with disabilities in competitive and recreational sports.

Here is what your donation can do for GLASA members:

• 95% of program participants increase overall health and well-being
• 93% of program participants increase self-confidence
• 85% of program participants reduce their social isolation
• 89% of program participants engage in nationally recommended amounts of physical activity
• 91% of program participants improve overall strength and endurance
• 91% of program participants increase their desire to participate in adapted sport programs
• 63% of program participants improve their knowledge of nutrition and make better food choices

93 cents of every dollar raised goes directly into GLASA programs!