Running For The Boobs: Year Two!
Donation protected
Hi everyone! My name is Maggie, and I am here to tell you how breast cancer has changed my life.
(That's me!)
I have not battled breast cancer, nor do I know what it's like to be diagnosed with a life-threatening disease of any kind. I know I am lucky.
As a 24-year-old, I generally feel like the world is way too big, and often times (more now than ever), scary. As someone who loves to love and spread positivity, living in a scary, XL world can pose the spreading of this love as a daunting task.
So, when it comes to finding ways to do good when the world is big and you feel small, it's up to us (me) to get creative.
I am passionate about breast cancer research and awareness because breast cancer has affected my family, my friends, and everyone in my community. I lost my grandma to her second battle with breast cancer when I was 11, then watched some of my best friends' parents and grandparents fight it themselves. As a freshman at Indiana University, I joined an organzation, Zeta Tau Alpha, whose national philanthropic organization raised money for breast cancer research and awareness. Over three years, the philanthropic work of 110 women raised upwards of $530,000 for a cause that has continued to influence my life.
When I graduated in 2014, I realized supporting this cause wasn't something that had to stop just because I was no longer an active member. I could use my resources, combined with other things I was passionate about, and do good.
Two years ago, I used this opportunity to start a "Miles for the Cure" campaign to fundraise for an organization called Barbells For Boobs , an option to combine my love for CrossFit, running, and breast cancer research all in one! I propositioned my Facebook friends to match the number of miles I ran in the month of October, with the ultimate goal of running 50 miles. I was able to raise just over $400 by the end of October, and couldn't be more grateful for their support.
Last year, I wanted to continue the tradition, but chose a slightly (okay, very) different route: to run my first half marathon in honor of my Grandma, Joan Cole. I ran 13.1 miles with the intention of everyone donating $1 for every mile I ran, and was absolutely astounded by the generosity I saw in such a short amount of time. I was able to eventually donate over $1300 to my sisters at Indiana University and Zeta Tau Alpha's funding of the NFL Pink Ribbon Project , as well as Dr. Hari Nakshatri of the IU School of Medicine and his research of clinical testing of women with no history of breast cancer in their family.
(A victory picture from last year's race!)
This year, I am excited to say that I am crazy enough to do it again! I will be running my second half marathon on November 5th in Indianapolis, in honor of my Grandma. Inspired by the incredible generosity from last year, I hope to match the amount raised last year, $1500!
How can you help? I'm so glad you asked! Instead of matching my miles during training, I ask you to match $1 to every mile that I run during my race, a total of $13. If you are unable to match this amount, any amount you are willing to donate will make a substantial impact, and will be so appreciated.
Where will this money go? This year, my plan is to donate the total amount of money raised by November 5th to the Young Survival Coalition , a nonprofit organization that works with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under.
If you are so inclined, please share this with your Facebook friends, family, and anyone who may resonate with my goal.
I can't thank you enough for your continued support!
(That's me!)
I have not battled breast cancer, nor do I know what it's like to be diagnosed with a life-threatening disease of any kind. I know I am lucky.
As a 24-year-old, I generally feel like the world is way too big, and often times (more now than ever), scary. As someone who loves to love and spread positivity, living in a scary, XL world can pose the spreading of this love as a daunting task.
So, when it comes to finding ways to do good when the world is big and you feel small, it's up to us (me) to get creative.
I am passionate about breast cancer research and awareness because breast cancer has affected my family, my friends, and everyone in my community. I lost my grandma to her second battle with breast cancer when I was 11, then watched some of my best friends' parents and grandparents fight it themselves. As a freshman at Indiana University, I joined an organzation, Zeta Tau Alpha, whose national philanthropic organization raised money for breast cancer research and awareness. Over three years, the philanthropic work of 110 women raised upwards of $530,000 for a cause that has continued to influence my life.
When I graduated in 2014, I realized supporting this cause wasn't something that had to stop just because I was no longer an active member. I could use my resources, combined with other things I was passionate about, and do good.
Two years ago, I used this opportunity to start a "Miles for the Cure" campaign to fundraise for an organization called Barbells For Boobs , an option to combine my love for CrossFit, running, and breast cancer research all in one! I propositioned my Facebook friends to match the number of miles I ran in the month of October, with the ultimate goal of running 50 miles. I was able to raise just over $400 by the end of October, and couldn't be more grateful for their support.
Last year, I wanted to continue the tradition, but chose a slightly (okay, very) different route: to run my first half marathon in honor of my Grandma, Joan Cole. I ran 13.1 miles with the intention of everyone donating $1 for every mile I ran, and was absolutely astounded by the generosity I saw in such a short amount of time. I was able to eventually donate over $1300 to my sisters at Indiana University and Zeta Tau Alpha's funding of the NFL Pink Ribbon Project , as well as Dr. Hari Nakshatri of the IU School of Medicine and his research of clinical testing of women with no history of breast cancer in their family.
(A victory picture from last year's race!)
This year, I am excited to say that I am crazy enough to do it again! I will be running my second half marathon on November 5th in Indianapolis, in honor of my Grandma. Inspired by the incredible generosity from last year, I hope to match the amount raised last year, $1500!
How can you help? I'm so glad you asked! Instead of matching my miles during training, I ask you to match $1 to every mile that I run during my race, a total of $13. If you are unable to match this amount, any amount you are willing to donate will make a substantial impact, and will be so appreciated.
Where will this money go? This year, my plan is to donate the total amount of money raised by November 5th to the Young Survival Coalition , a nonprofit organization that works with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under.
If you are so inclined, please share this with your Facebook friends, family, and anyone who may resonate with my goal.
I can't thank you enough for your continued support!
Organizer
Maggie Batsford
Organizer
Carmel, IN
