Strides

I have been thinking of ways to use my interests for something bigger than myself. One thing that I’m passionate about is running; I’ve been doing cross country for three years and track for two this spring. Needless to say, I love running. In an effort to turn that love into something larger and more impactful, I am starting a program called “Strides” where I run a set number of miles over the year to raise money for a charity.

This year, my goal is to run 300 miles by December 31, and to raise at least $3,000.

This first year I plan to donate to an organization that has some personal connection - The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. My grandpa was a collegiate football player and renowned pediatrician, and he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a decade ago. Since then, I have learned more about the disease first hand, and I want to donate the funds to a charity that helps people with the same struggles as my grandpa.

In order to fulfill the charity aspect, I am looking for pledges of $0.10 per mile (yes, just a dime). That’s a total individual pledge of just $30 for the whole year. Higher pledges or flat donations are welcome, but not expected. All pledges are capped at 300 miles, even if I run more. You will receive a receipt for your donation once I complete my mileage goal.

To hold myself accountable for running the 300 miles, I will be tracking my progress through an app and will be publishing the results online. If you make a per-mile pledge and I don’t run all 300 miles by the end of the year, you don’t pay a cent. This keeps me motivated to keep running and tells you that I am working for the donation. If you pledge, you will receive updates on my progress to help hold me accountable. Please note that if you choose to do a flat donation rather than a mileage pledge, your donation will process immediately rather than when I complete the running.

I have dubbed this program “Strides,” both as a sign of the progress towards the charitable contributions, as well as a play on words for the running.

I would really appreciate your support in helping me achieve both my running and financial goals in support of Parkinson’s research. Please pass this along to anyone else who might be interested in supporting my efforts.

Thank You!!!!

FOLLOW MY PROGRESS ON INSTAGRAM AT LONG.STRIDES