American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

I’m running the Austin Marathon on February 19th and need your support.

I’m not engaging in hyperbole when I say that Dr. Rick Hodes has made the most incredible impact on the world of anyone I’ve ever met. Having devoted his life to helping Ethiopians with spinal deformities and heart issues, not to mention the hundreds of others who seek him out across Ethiopia, Dr. Hodes graciously allowed me to observe him at a clinic in Addis Ababa in 2009. That visit led to several more in 2009, trips back to Ethiopia in 2012 and 2016, a visit by Dr. Rick to Austin in 2021 and a friendship now in its 14th year. His work transforming and saving lives has been chronicled by HBO, NPR, a book and several other publications, and I have witnessed first-hand the results he tireless creates through his efforts (https://rickhodes.org/).

A year after I first met Dr. Rick, I ran my first and only marathon in 2010, immediately vowing that I'd never do it again. The time commitment, grueling training and insanity of running 26.2 miles "for fun" seemingly made it a one-time event for me.

This year, I finally succumbed to peer pressure and signed up for the Austin Marathon, which is on February 19th. Though my sweet-talking friends unfortunately dropped from the race due to injuries, I am determined to see it through. My motivation is simple: run for those who Dr. Rick is helping stand straight.

Want to join me in making a difference?

My name is Adam Jerome and I am 12 years old. As my Bar Mitzvah is approaching, I will fundraise for the Jewish community of Ukraine through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

The JDC is the world's leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. Due to the escalating conflict of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian communities and are in dire need of basic humanitarian aid such as food, medicine and winter supplies. I feel a great responsibility to take this initiative in providing resources at this time and I hope you can donate to this worthy cause.

.