the main rasons I train for and run a marathon are clear to me....now I would like to share them with you. My training has been a long, difficult road but nothing compared to the road a parent of a child with special gifts walks each and every day. I am running this Marathon for many reasons. I am running to raise funds for the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and Girls On The Run. I am running to raise awareness of autism. I am running for every girl’s positive self image. I am running to honor my hero, Kelly Weaver, her daughter, Gillian Weaver, and all other children with special gifts, as well as all girls everywhere.
I am running to raise funds for the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and Girls On The Run. Here is where I really need your help. Both charities are in need of financial assistance. My goal is to raise $1,000 for each charity.
You can make a donation directly to the school here
http://www.firstgiving.org/alca1
Donations to Girls On The Run may be made directly at this site. http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2011/KNader10
Please be sure to mention my name when making your donation!
To learn more about the school, please visit their website www.alexanderleighcenterforautism.com
To learn more about Girls On The Run go to www.gotrchicago.org
I am running to raise awareness of autism. Did you know that one out of every 150 children born this year will be diagnosed with autism? Did you know more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined? Autism costs the nation 90 billion dollars per year and the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. There is no medical detection or cure for autism.
I am running for every girl’s positive self image. Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The program combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Girls on the Run promotes physical as well as emotional, mental and character development. The girls complete the program with a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be part of a team. As a coach for two seasons, I have seen the positive outcomes of this program. These girls inspire me!
I am running to honor my hero, Kelly Weaver, her daughter, Gillian Weaver, and all other children with special gifts. Eleven year old Gillian Weaver is autistic. Gillian’s father, Kevin Weaver, passed away from an undiagnosed brain tumor when Gilly was very young. Kelly, now a single mom, has opened a school for Gillian and other autistic children. The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism was founded by Dorie Hoevel and Kelly Weaver, who are both parents of children with autism. These two dedicated mothers have created a place where children can reach their full individual potential, in a caring and safe environment, a place where each child's differences are what make them special.
I run for each of my own children, the children I teach, the children that face frustration of autism, the children who doubt themselves, all children who daily face challenges no matter how big or small. As some of you know, music is a large part of my life. I am going to compile a playlist of musical inspiration to keep me moving during my long runs and workouts. I want to be reminded of each and every reason I run. If you have a song you think would be a good addition, let me know!
Last but not least, I would ask for your prayers. I would ask that you pray for The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism, that this school will continue to be a place where each child can reach their full potential. I ask that you pray for the young women who participate in Girls On The Run that they gain a strong sense of identity. I would ask that you pray for my children as well as the children I teach, that they may grow in wisdom and understanding. I would ask that you pray for all runners and me on race day so that we finish safely. Finally, I would ask that you pray not only for children with special gifts, but their parents as well. They all face challenges each and every day that many of us will never know nor understand.
Please forward this link on to anyone that might want to help!
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