NYC Marathon Fundraising Launch for CP Rochester
I’m running the NYC Marathon again this year on November 2nd. Two years ago, in order to secure a spot in the marathon, I raised money for NYRR’s Team for Kids program which focuses on providing fitness programs to kids who might not otherwise have access to regular physical activity. It is a TREMENDOUS program. Let me take this opportunity to again thank ALL of you who contributed! You made my dream of running the marathon come true but more importantly, you gave the gift of fitness to so many kids that need it.
But this year, I’ve already pre-qualified for this year’s marathon and have already paid my $216 entry fee, so I’m in. But I am still asking you for help. (I know, needy, right?)
Most of you know my family lost my dear mom, Ann Connolly, this past December. There isn’t a day that goes by where I am not reminded of the loss and how much I miss her. So I’ve decided to use this year’s NYC Marathon journey as a platform to raise money for a place and a cause that is part and parcel of who I am – CP Rochester – The Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Rochester, NY.
In case you didn’t already know, both of my parents have Cerebral Palsy, or CP. What is it? Simply put, it’s a purely physical disorder in which messages from the brain are distorted resulting in a variety of physical handicaps usually affecting movement. Is it a mental handicap? No. Is it contagious? No. Is it hereditary? It’s extremely rare that CP is passed on to future generations.
CP Rochester provides vital services for Rochester, NY area CP folks who frankly desperately need them. From CP Rochester’s website:
CP Rochester exists to support people with physical and developmental disabilities in choosing and accomplishing successive, individualized life goals. We do this by providing a wide range of services to people of all ages in the greater Rochester area including clinical, educational, residential, and recreational programs. Our staff work tirelessly to ensure those we serve safely determine their own pathways in life and live as full members of their communities.
So, why CP Rochester? That’s a good question as truth be told, my parents have lived the great majority of their lives independently and not needing the support services that CP Rochester provides. But the need is still very much there and this organization does Herculean work with very little resources. Plus, my family has an additional emotional attachment to CP Rochester as my grandparents, Roy and Lali Connolly, were one of the founding families in the 1940’s that started organizing informational meetings that eventually morphed into what’s now known as CP Rochester.
As I’ve mentioned, I’m under no pressure to raise a “minimum” to gain access to the marathon. I’m good. But I’m asking all of you who knew and loved my Mom and by extension, me and my family, to please donate whatever you can in honor of her. It would mean so very much to me. I am hoping to raise $5,000 by the time the marathon arrives. But honestly? I’d be happy with whatever total is reached!
If you would like to make a donation on behalf of my Mom to CP of Rochester, please visit this link here.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I’ll see you out running!
Love, Jason