Shari Gilliam is an honorary member of Team JCFS and an inspiration to us all. In 1998, Shari cycled 500 miles to raise awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS services. On Day 1 of the 5 day ride, she fell off her bike; on Day 5 she triumphantly crossed the finish line. Fourteen years later, Shari is once again going the distance, tackling the challenge of her first marathon with the Team to End AIDS.

But wait, that’s not all. In 2012, Shari is also celebrating her 50th birthday, getting married, and continuing to ensure that the executive wing of Jewish Child and Family Services runs smoothly in her role as Executive Assistant Extraordinaire. When asked why she is going 26.2 miles for charity, Shari simply says, “To those to whom much is given, much is expected. It was a no brainer.” She also shares these words of wisdom about endurance sports, “I love the feeling of pushing my physical limits and also the limits of people’s perception about what is possible. The adage about judging a book by its cover, still holds true – don’t do it.”