Happy Spring!

On June 4th I am running in my very first half marathon! "Madness" has taken over me as I am attemping to prove to myself that I too can be a long-distance runner! In school I was always a short distance runner and did pretty well but I was never one who could or would enjoy the longer distance runs. Upon leaving school and then immigrating to America from South Africa, opportunities for short distance running didn't exist so I fell out of practice and out of fitness! We then lost our mom to pancreatic cancer a few years ago and to help work through the grief and to honor my mom, I began a journey of health and fitness.

For years I have watched folks running around our beautful town of Woodstock Vermont, they look so fit and happy and I longed to be able to do the same. So I have been working at it - started with short walks, then hikes, then longer hikes and eventually running (or jogging - slowly - in my case). 

And now we are here! Attempting my first half marathon! It only feels right to combine this internal challenge with myself with raising funds for a local non-profit that I feel so strongly about. The Family Place!!! An organization that provides critical supports for young families by providing early intervention servies, parent education, support groups, financial assistance and advocacy for young families in Vermont. 

The Family Place came to my rescue about 16 years ago when my son was diagonsed with a pretty dramatic speech delay. They got to work with him quickly and got him all the supports that he needed at a critical time in his development. He is now graduating high school and going off to RPI this fall to study bio-chemistry and bio-physics! Not only did The Family Place support my family, but I was blessed to support many families when I then worked at the Family Place as a Childcare Financial Assistance Coordinator. 

Upon leaving my employment at the Family Place, I continued to partner and collaborate with them through many activies supporting children and families such as through Collaborative Play Groups (especially finding ways to ensure connection for young families during Covid).

I am a huge fan of The Family Place and all they do and I am honored to raise funds to support their work. And since I am running for a cause greater than myself - I can't flake and try to get out of it - LOL. So please help cheer me on and also support the Family Place by donating, if you so can!! 

Thank you!

We are a team of runners supporting The Family Place in its 37th year of providing education, support and services to Upper Valley children and families.

Our team members have committed to raising at least $500 each by running in the Covered Bridges Half Marathon on Sunday, June 4, 2023!. Money from fundraisers for the Covered Bridges Half Marathon is vital to The Family Place because it isn't earmarked for any specific program; instead, it can be applied to wherever the need is greatest in our organization. It's only with the support of our generous community that we can provide continuous, comprehensive services and support to all families with young children.

If you have any questions, contact cbhmteam@the-family-place.org.