Hello friends and family!
Surprise! I am once again planning on running the VT100 on July 20th-21st and I am STOKED to be toeing the line again at this epic event. As you can imagine, it is quite the physical challenge to prepare to run 100 miles; more than that, it is an incredibly emotional and rewarding challenge as well. This race in particular is something I have been quite passionate about for several years.
There are people out there for whom just getting out to walk can be a challenge...people who need a little extra assistance to meet that challenge to bring health, fun and passion to their lives. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports (VASS) provides sports and recreational programs as well as environmental and wellness treats to people with disabilities. Their programs are offered to people of all ages, with a variety of disabilities. Programs include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and Nordic in the winter; and sailing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more in the warmer months.
Personally, I am motivated by a not-so-little-anymore kid named Nick, who is my very own WingMan. I was matched w/Nick through an online platform several years ago and I dedicate all of my miles in his honor. I've even had the immense blessing of meeting him and his family and seeing his infectious smile in person twice, in 2014 and 2017. Nick was born w/a traumatic brain injury that left him paralyzed on one side and with a very poor prognosis of developing typically...but let me tell you, that "prognosis" couldn't have been more wrong, which Nick is happy to prove every day! Just in this past year he has taken his first unassisted steps, and that kid is not stopping there! It is through this amazing kid that I learned first hand how incredible an adaptive sports program can be, not only to Nick but to his whole family being able to witness his immense enjoyment of sports like water skiing and soccer! I KNOW in my heart that one day Nick will run for others, and I can't wait to see it happen!
Thank you for considering donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
MORE INFO:
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers people with disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The organization believes sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.
With nearly 400 active volunteer instructors, plus generous partners and sponsors, and an amazing base of clients and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities in New England for over 30 years. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.
The VT100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports biggest fund raisers every year. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports: www.vermontadaptive.org.