One ordinary woman. One extraordinary race. One exceptional cause.
Hi! I am Shirley. And I am running for children’s lives.
On January 31st, 2019, I will begin my 7 day journey to run 7 marathons on 7 continents. Starting in Novo, Antarctica, the World Marathon Challenge, as it is known, will take me to Cape Town (Africa), Perth (Australia), Dubai (Asia), Madrid (Europe), Santiago (South America) and finally Miami (North America), arriving on February 6, 2019.
183.4 miles. 168 hours. 7 continents (over 40,000 miles in the air).
People inevitably asks me, “WHY?” Well, I like to run. And I am chasing a goal - to complete the World Marathon Challenge. And what is more, I am running for a wonderful cause - Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) in downtown L.A. and for all the care that they give to children near and far.
I admire OIC not only because it is one of the top children’s orthopaedic institutions in the world, but I love it for the way OIC doctors and staff treat their patients.
Kids like Bibiana from Tanzania. An albino whose body parts are highly valued in witchcraft in some parts of the world, she lost her leg and 2 fingers from a superstition-driven attack when she was a teenager. The artificial limb given to her after the assault did not bend at the knee and caused her much pain and limited mobility. She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to escape from her attackers should it happen again. Doctors from OIC provided her with a properly fitted prosthesis that eliminated her pain and a comprehensive plan of care that included physical therapy to improve her gait. Now Bibiana can walk and yes, she can run.
Kids like Ana from Los Angeles. Born with a rare disease that causes extreme bow legs, Ana could barely stand or walk. From ages 4 to 14, she underwent multiple surgeries and received consistent medical care at OIC that helped to straighten and strengthen her legs. Now 15, Ana realized her dream of dancing in her ballgown at her quincenera.
Kids like Ivanna from Los Angeles. Four-year-old Ivanna has severe scoliosis, 3 missing ribs and a dislocated heart. Doctors at OIC fitted her with a “crown” – a medical device that helps to keep her upright. With OIC’s continuing monitoring and care, she will eventually undergo surgeries to help her stand straighter and breathe easier as she grows.
Every child is special there. And whether a child has great insurance, bad insurance, or no insurance at all, OIC finds the way to give them world-class care. In my many years of volunteering there, I can see the impact that proper orthopaedic care can have on the quality of life of children as they grow.
Every penny that you donate will be put directly to work for the children at OIC, since I am underwriting my own participation and all expenses for this Challenge. Moreover, since OIC is a 501c(3) charitable organization, your donation is 100% tax deductible.
Running 7 marathons every day for 7 days is hard. For someone like me who is an AARP member, even harder. However, it is worth it, because I run to raise funds so children can have the chance to walk without aid, throw a ball, twirl and dance.
The clock starts when my first marathon begins in Antarctica. Please don’t wait to support OIC. Every dollar counts toward our combined goal of $77,700. Thank you!
Much appreciation,
Shirley