4th Annual Running for CASA: 10 Miles a Day for Change

Running for Advocacy, Running for Change, Longing to Belong

It's that time of year again!!! Once more I will fundraise for CASA, an amazing non-profit organization, which I am very passionate about. This year I will run, shuffle, walk, crawl 10 miles every day in the month October. I will honor a different local program in Michigan every day. Stay tuned for more details.

CASA:

This organization has touched my heart and demonstrates how volunteers can change the life of children who have experienced abuse and neglect 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 children endure due to no fault of their own.

HISTORY:

I have been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for over 7 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, 1 in a foster home, and 1 in therapeutic residential 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 5 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.