I ran my first marathon this fall at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. I originally thought that I would finish the marathon and be filled with pride as I received my finisher’s medal. However, the opposite was true and the 26.2 mile course had left me feeling vulnerable. The finish line wasn’t a time to reflect about me and my accomplishment, but rather a time to realize that 21,000 other people had worked as hard as I had to cross that line. I saw double amputees running with prosthetic legs and runners with t-shirts reading “2 Time Cancer Survivor.” I was amazed and humbled at how resilient and powerful the human race can be whenever we commit to accomplishing a difficult task. After such a positive experience, I didn’t think twice about signing up for another marathon. This time, in addition to the physical challenge and rewards of running a marathon, I wanted to take on the challenges and rewards of running for a good cause. As a person with such a passion for the outdoors, running to benefit The Esplanade Association was an obvious choice. The Esplanade is the shared backyard of every resident in metropolitan Boston. Over two million people a year walk, run, cycle, walk their dogs, learn to sail, hear concerts, play baseball, and view the famous 4th of July fireworks on the Esplanade. The Esplanade is where Boston celebrates the seasons, and The Esplanade Association is dedicated to enhancing the park’s ability to serve the public. For me personally, I want to support the The Esplanade Association because I believe in protecting green spaces for public use. I believe that we benefit from spending time outdoors, whether it be for a nice walk or a game of baseball, and we need to ensure there are places available for such activities. The Esplanade is one of those places. Please help me preserve and improve this great park by giving to my Team Esplanade fundraising effort.

I have also received offline donations of $652 for a total amount of $2,081.  Help me reach my goal before April 19th!

Thanks for your support,

Sara

Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed thus far:

Graham Campbell
Jarrad & Nicole Zalkin
Joe Luppino
Thomas Foley
Andrew DuMoulin
Melissa Zahner
Barry & Lauren Dellecese
Travis & Erin Monast
Kristyn Brezinsky & Nathan Ulrich
Florence DiGennaro Reed & Derek Reed
Marcia Steger
Zach Hofer-Shall
Charlie & Karen Smiarowski
David, Donna, & Calvin McKemmie
Ted & Elizabeth Tudryn
Allen Stebbins
Diane Abatiell
Sergio Hurtado
Sarah Lund
Brad Marston
Michael Bond
Kevin Little
Tracy Walker
Elaine Pantano
Carrie McKinnon
Dan & Penny Smiarowski
TJ & Megan Tudryn
Arlin & Sharon Hadler
Darryl & Michelle Hadler
Nancy Zizza
Gene & Fay Hale  
Debbie Statler
Bret Valerio 
Carrisa and Alexis Weber
Susan Day
Alicia and Colby Chevalier
Brenda Donoghue
Simon Kozin
Michael Swierk