Inaugural Post: 10 Running Feet running 10 Races for 10 Years to Remember Zachary

This is Zachary.  This blog is for him and his family.

 

 

Zachary (a.k.a. Meatball) was tragically killed at the hand of an abuser when he was 14 months old.  His killer was convicted, sentenced and remains in jail. On March 6, 2014, Zachary would have turned 10.  Zachary's Mom wanted to celebrate his 10th Birthday in a BIG way with Remembering Zachary - The Project.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/chrissy-marie-mclaughlin/remembering-zachary-the-project-3/10151280772967687.  His Mom asked friends and family to do something special to celebrate his life.  Keep reading to find out how my family and I fit into this project and how we decided to be involved.

This is Chrissy.  She's Zachary's Mom.



Chrissy has been my friend for 12 years.  We met when I was pregnant with Aidan, my oldest son.  Her daughter and Aidan are three months apart and have obviously known eachother their entire almost 12 years of life.  We were both young Moms and hit it off right away.  Chrissy had Zach 5 months after my younger son, Carter, was born.  Zachary's death was a shock to us all.  A Mommy should never have to deal with that.  Chrissy was on a mission to make a difference and make sure that Zach had a permanent handprint on this world.  Chrissy became a mover and a shaker.   She started C.H.I.L.D. https://www.facebook.com/childorg whose mission is to raise awareness of child abuse and promote prevention.  A huge milestone happened this year with Zachary's Law.  Zachary's Law gives someone convicted of 3rd degree murder on a child 13 years or less an extra 2 years of sentencing in the state of Pennsylvania.   She's pretty Bad Ass right?  :)  She's also really involved in this organization called Marley's Mission....more on that to follow too.  :)

This is ME.  I like to Run. 

 

 

A lot.

 

 

Some would say Obsessively.

 

These are my constant Running Partners, never leave home without them.

And These are My Favorite Racing Buddies

So, all together, we have 10 Running Feet....and two sets of hind paws. :)

This past June, I was running a Marathon and met this man (shameless plug!!!)

http://marathonman.com.au/

We ran for a mile or so together and he told me that his Mother died of cancer and he was embarking on this adventure to raise money and awareness in her honor.  He loves running a little too.  :) 

Folks, that's when it just CLICKED. Chrissy asked her friends to do something special to honor Zachary's birthday and I wanted to prior to this race but didn't know how or what to do. After I met Marathon Man, I knew that I wanted to incorporate the things I love and hold dear and make that part of the cause.

Running is a huge part of my life. I love running by myself with my dogs but also with my two boys, Aidan and Carter. Our goal is this:

Run

I will run 5 marathons (1st one already ran in June when meeting Marathon Man - so 4 more to go!)

The boys and I together along with anyone else who wants to come out! will run 5 5k races

5 Marathons + 5 5ks =

10 Races for 10 Years of Remembering Zachary. Making his life even more meaningful than it has already been proven to be.

WANT TO JOIN OUR ADVENTURE????

 

I'll blog later about all the races we are running, run along with us!!! 

Don't want to run but want to show support and make a difference?  SPONSOR OUR RUNNING! Donate $.10 for every mile or $10 for every mile! Your donations go towards such a worthy cause! (See below)  Visit our Donation Site HERE:  http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=261373

This is Marley's Mission

In Zachary's Mom, Chrissy's words, here's what they do and what they mean to her:

Marley's Mission is a non profit organization that provides equine-based therapy to children who have experienced trauma.

The Mission has made Zachary a part of their family from the very beginning. Each year, Marley's Mission gives out the Remembering Zachary Award. The award is given to someone who brings greater awareness to child abuse and the protection of children. It's only fitting that they are helping me to celebrate Zachary's birthday by giving him a home there as well.

Any amount you'd like to donate would not only be amazing, but it would be deeply appreciated. Your support means that Zachary will be remembered and he will have his very own spot at Marley's Mission.