Running in these marathons is about more than the medal. By taking part, you help raise money for charities doing important work, and you get a great workout in the process. Lace up those running shoes, and get a move on — it’s a win-win.
Komen Race for the Cure
Photo credit: Susan G. Komen
The Komen Race for the Cure is so much more than just a marathon. It honors women fighting breast cancer, celebrates survivors and pays tribute to those who have lost their battle. The more than 140 races held on four continents have helped Komen invest more than $2.5 billion to support their cause. For each event, 75 percent of funds raised stay within the local community to fund programs that provide education, screening and treatment. The remainder of the funds go toward research.
Run for Heroes
Photo credit: Run for Heroes
Sometimes we focus so much on the patient, we forget about the caretaker. The Run for Heroes takes care of those taking care of others. Proceeds benefit caregiver support programs associated with the Alzheimer Society.
Walk for Kids
Photo credit: Jon Didier
Having a sick child is every parent’s worst nightmare. When that nightmare becomes a reality, the doctors take care of the patients and the Ronald McDonald House takes care of the parents. Their facilities, located near major children’s hospitals across the country, provide the comforts of home when home is just too far away. A soft bed, a hot shower, a warm meal — these things mean more than you might think. The Walk for Kids helps support these services and more.
T.E.A.L. Walk/Run
Photo credit: Janine Coyne
T.E.A.L. stands for Tell Every Amazing Lady, which is exactly what this event aims to do. Ovarian cancer is not always easily diagnosed, so this organization raises funds to educate women about the symptoms, provide support for patients and caregivers and raise funds for research. Get your walk on, ladies — this one’s all about you.
St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend
Photo credit: St. Jude Biomedical Communications
Not only is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital internationally recognized for its treatment and research of childhood cancer, but it’s all done with the whole family in mind. Young patients and their families travel from all over the world to receive their lifesaving treatments, and St. Jude goes out of its way to make sure everyone feels at home, even when they’re not. The best part? The families never receive a bill for treatment, lodging, travel, food or anything else they receive when there. The only thing parents have to worry about is helping their child live. The St. Jude Marathon Weekend makes sure that keeps happening.
ENOUGH! A Race to End Violence
Photo credit: Steve McLaughlin Photography
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the YWCA New Britain uses that month to get the word out. Money raised during this event helps provide comfort, care and crisis intervention to victims in their area of Connecticut. It also helps them work to eliminate violence not only in their community but everywhere, through public policy advocacy. Stand up for women everywhere by taking part.
Great Strides
There’s no cure for cystic fibrosis, but organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are helping to bring it closer. Just 60 years ago, children born with this disease rarely lived to go to school. Now, it’s more than possible for those affected to live into their 30s and beyond. Great Strides provides hope, help and treatment for current suffers, as well as funds to help put this disease behind us.
Light the Night Walk
If you’ve ever attended a Light the Night Walk with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, you know it’s an experience you won’t forget. The night sky is filled with illuminated balloons — white for survivors of blood cancers, red for supporters and gold for those who have passed. All proceeds go toward efforts that help ensure the white balloons continue to outnumber the gold.
Heart Mini
Heart disease and stroke, are the number one and number four killers in the nation. The American Heart Association is an organization made up of volunteers working to treat and prevent these diseases. Help them on their mission (and keep your heart health on track) by joining them in the Heart Mini.
Walk to Defeat ALS
Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) is a crippling illness that not many people know about. It’s more common than you might think — in fact, about 15 new cases are diagnosed each day. The Walk to Defeat ALS benefits research for a cure.
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