Sheree Dunwell for the 2012 Mass Mentoring Boston Marathon Team

I am a repeat runner for MMP, and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this team again! Last year, I'd just lost quite a bit of weight; the marathon for me was a personal challenge and the beginning of a new healthy life for myself. More importantly, however, I wanted my running to benefit kids in true need. MMP serves thousands of at-risk children in the state of Massachusetts, an unbelievable feat.

As a Lynn native and someone who knows first hand what it is like to be a struggling kid, I have always wanted to make it a part of my life's mission to see to it that kids who are at risk understand that the sky is the limit. I was shown this as a kid. I went to college and continue to aspire to greater things. Why isn't every child thinking this way? It's mentoring from caring and able adults that leads these at-risk youth to brighter futures.

I've become so unbelievably inspired and moved by this wonderful organization, the incredible and supportive staff and the wonderful mentors/mentees who've shared their stories. MMP is a truly wonderful non-profit organization that serves such a great need. Underprivileged kids who come through this program find quality in life and even more important: a friend.

I am appreciative of any support you can give toward this remarkable cause. No donation is too little, no gesture too small. As they say, every little bit helps, and this can be proven by the amount of donors I had who were willing to give up, say, buying coffee for a week. All that added up to nearly $8,000 last year!

Please know that when you donate here, you are not donating to me. You are not donating to MY cause. You are donating to the thousands of kids who truly need this service. As you can see from the videos posted here, MMP does some significant work. And you are contributing to that, so thank you!