Family and Friends,
Third time's a charm! Because of the pandemic, VT100 was canceled the last two years, but in 15 days I will be embarking on my longest race yet - 62 miles! Many of you have already made a gift to my previous fundraising efforts and I am very grateful. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports counts on the contributions from this race to sustain their programming and make recreational activities available to individuals with disabilities. I donated what I raised the past two years instead of carrying it forward, so I started from scratch again this year. I have a long way to go in a short amount of time...
The pandemic was a trying time for all of us. Like many, I was "teaching" Harper and Liam from the kitchen table, while also holding zoom meeting after zoom meeting. Summer vacation for the Stansfield's may have started in April and happy hour began at 4pm sharp. The activities we used to enjoy with family and friends were no longer an option, and life overall, was just hard. However, running was something I could continue doing through the pandemic. I used running for peace and solice; it allowed me to regain some sense or normalcy and sanity during really uncertain times. Lacing up my shoes made me happy. It was and is a privilege I have whenever I choose.
Now that we are on the other side, I ask you to think about how the inconveniences we endured during the pandemic is what some endure indefinitely. I often remind myself to put things in perspective. For me, the pandemic and the frustrations, tears, and challenges that come with it were finite. However, living with a disability is often permanent.
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports works to make all sports and recreational activities accessible to individuals of all disabilities. I ask you to consider making a gift to my fundraising efforts to ensure Vermont Adaptive can continue to make possible the joys many of us are easily able to experience, to those who have hurdles in their way. The supports Vermont Adaptive provides individuals with disabilities minimizes those hurdles. A huge thank you to those who donated in previous years - your generosity is not forgotten.
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.