Hello friends and family!
This July, I will be returning to Vermont to participate in the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Race. Having your support as I take on this challenge again would mean so much to me. This race is an important fundraiser for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, which is an amazing organization that provides sports and recreational programs as well as wellness retreats and outdoor experiences to people of all ages, regardless of ability. 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. Vermont Adaptive even offers financial support for anyone who needs it to participate.
As you can probably imagine, discovering this organization was so meaningful to our family. Our oldest son, Anderson, was born with an extremely rare genetic syndrome (he's literally one in a million) that has caused numerous medical and developmental challenges for him. He took his first independent steps at the age of 6.5 years, and I often think of him during long training runs and races, feeling immense gratitude for my own ability to just keep running.
Thankfully, Anderson's health has stabilized, and he is a joyful, sweet nine-year boy who is obsessed with the Yankees and Ford pick-up trucks. Despite facing daily challenges in a world that was not built for him, he keeps showing up with a smile on his face and he never gives up. He has always loved to play outside, and has even been able to participate in the League of YES adaptive T-Ball league on the Eagles Team for the past three seasons near our home on Long Island. We are always searching for opportunities for him to do what he loves, and unfortunately, those are few and far between. That is why the work that Vermont Adaptive is doing really resonates with our family, and we believe that maybe someday Anderson will participate in a new outdoor experience with their help!
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too! There are no small donations. Any amount shared will have a positive impact! You can be sure I will think of your support when I inevitably face a challenging stretch (or two or three...) in this race. Last year, I was incredibly humbled at your generosity, raising over $5,000 in a short amount of time leading up to the 2025 race. I spent the majority of the 20+ hours I was out running on the trails feeling so much gratitude for your contributions. Because of your help, each step I took was meaningful to me and our family.
We hope that you will consider donating to Vermont Adaptive again this year! Please share this link with others who may also be able to contribute. With your support, I know I can run farther than I ever thought possible (ehem... Mile 65 once again I'm looking at you!) Most importantly, together we can help so many deserving athletes achieve goals and have experiences that would otherwise not be available to them. Let's do this!
Thank you so much,
~ Michelle, Mark, Anderson, Louie and Avalena
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.