2nd Annual Running for CASA

Hello Everyone!

In 15 weeks, I will be running my first ever 100-mile ultramarathon trail event – Last Dot Standing 48hr in Belleville, Wisconsin. I can hardly believe it. I have been training hard since March. I am up to 85 miles per week. I will start at 6am on Friday, October 13. I have 48 hours to complete my goal. I have decided to turn this momentous event into a fundraiser for an amazing non-profit organization, CASA, which I am very passionate about, as you know. This organization has touched my heart and demonstrates how volunteers can change the life of abused and neglected children by giving them a voice in a very difficult situation. Regardless of how physically and mentally challenging this event will be for me, it doesn’t compare to the heartache, disappointment, and challenges these abused and neglected children endure due to no fault of their own.

I have been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for over 5 years. In that time, I have had 3 cases, one of which is still active, where I served 7 children across the state ranging from ages 6 months to 17 years, both boys and girls, 2 adopted, 2 returned home, 1 in guardianship, and 2 in foster care. I have advocated for the wishes of a severely ill child who was hospitalized for almost a year at Mott’s Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and for 2 children with a wide range of mental health issues due to years of abuse and neglect resulting in severe complex trauma. I have seen first-hand the impact a CASA volunteer can have on these children. Every child I have served and am serving has irrevocably changed my life for the better. I learn from them every day. Their smiles, hugs, and achievements confirm I am living out my passion.

So many of my fellow CASAs are present every day in these children’s lives. They give them hope, peace, and happiness by being a consistent, compassionate, creative, and fun-loving CASA that never gives up the fight for what is in their best interest. I am humbled to be associated with such a caring group of individuals that dedicates their time and energy with nothing to gain but to help a child. Without them and this program, these children would not be heard. In addition, for the past 3 years, I have had the honor of serving as a board member/officer for Michigan CASA, Inc. I am also a Volunteer Advisor for National CASA.

My goal is to raise $10,000 or more. The first $5000 will be donated to my local CASA program; the next $5000 will be donated to Michigan CASA, Inc. All additional funds will be divided equally among these 2 organizations. I will also be donating personally to each of these organizations. If you’d like to support me in this endeavor, please use the link to donate. A gift of any size (seriously) makes a huge difference to these organizations and the children’s lives today and tomorrow.

If you would also like to support me in person, I welcome ANYONE willing to run/shuffle/walk a few miles with me during the event (especially at night) or cheer me on at the finish – if you have it come dressed in your CASA attire.

Another way you can support me is by sending me your favorite podcasts, songs, quotes, or words and prayers of encouragement. I will refer to these when the endeavor gets tough – especially during the dark and lonely night hours.

Thank you so much for being such amazing and loving family members, friends, neighbors, running buddies, and colleagues! My life is blessed with you in it!

Amy, a WARRIOR FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN