Please support me in this cause

Dear Friends,

As you know I love running and have been running for fun here and there, but after a good and much-needed break from marathons (last one I ran was in Chicago when my then baby Melania was 2), I have decided to do it again (and now Emilia is 2). No, this is not the pattern that I’ll be repeating

This time I hope to run in Berlin (one of 6 Major Marathons) on September 24th so I’ve been training hard, hitting my long runs every weekend (a few 20miles). It means, lots of sacrifices by my family, evenings or mornings away from kiddos and hubby who had to step in. Often Melania would ask: mommy, why do you need to run so much? I would have to explain that the marathon requires lots of training (more effort than the actual race) and if I want to finish the race and raise money for the cause, I need to run more. This brings me to the point of the charity I’m raising the money for - The Invictus Games Ukraine, organization that aims to provide new opportunities for active service members and veterans who paid a high price for the dedication to their country and its people. Here is their mission and values. https://invictusgames.in.ua/en/importance-eng/. Some might ask - what about drones or other important military equipment that can directlydestroy our enemy, so games can wait? Well, drones are important, as the health and state of mind of our service men and women so I want to raise money for a much needed equipment that these heroes can train and get stronger on so they can also gain their life back. I will work with staff of this organization to choose the most immediate item(s) from a very long list and report back to you. I will be very grateful if you, my friends and family would help me in this special initiative. If you would like to support me, please make a pledge to contribute one dollar for each mile ($26) or kilometer ($42) that I will run, or any amount you wish. No amount is too small. And if you don’t have the opportunity to donate but have friends in Berlin, please tell them to come and cheer for all of us who will run and proudly represent Ukraine.

Thank you so very much for considering this special request. My race will be that much more satisfying if I know my friends stand behind me in supporting this wonderful cause!

Thankfully yours,

Anya