Hello friends and family!
I turn 50 in 2019! Many people like to celebrate with something big when they hit the half century mark, and I knew just the thing to do...run 4 100 mile races in the summer!
I’m running the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, which for me will be Old Dominion, Vermont, Leadville and Wasatch. (I didn't get into Western States, or I would have run all 5!)
As a person with MS, I considered raising funds for the National MS Society as my birthday wish. But I raised funds for NMSS for my first marathon and my first Ironman, and it felt a little impersonal, because it's such a large national organization. (They do good work, don't get me wrong!). But last year I raised money for Vermont Adaptive in order to run the Vermont 100. In that time, I really got to know the people involved with that group, and I met actual people who benefitted from their services. The money they raise goes directly to helping people be active. People with disabilities everywhere, not just in Vermont, can get sponsored by Vermont Adaptive to come to Vermont and work with people who can help them achieve their active outdoor goals in the Green Mountain State.
My life was changed by my decision to become active. If I can help even one person to get outside and do something they perhaps thought was never possible due to a disability, I will have achieved a goal of mine. Even if 4 100 mile races in less than 4 months proves too much of a challenge for me, I’m up to the challenge, and want to help others meet their challenges, too.
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports provides sports and recreational programs as well as wellness and environmental retreats 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.
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
Thank you!
-Melissa
MORE INFO:
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers people of all 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 VT 100 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.