Lauren 2021 NYC Marathon-Team Herren Project
Tax deductible
Dear Friends and Family,
With 2020 in the rearview mirror (phew), I know we are all looking ahead to a healthier and happier year to come. Like many of us trying to survive this challenging time, physical and mental health has been on the forefront of my mind and it seemed like no better time to set a goal that would enhance my mental, spiritual and physical well-being while more importantly bringing awareness and raising funds for a cause close to my heart. I’m graciously asking for your support as I embark on training for the 2021 New York City Marathon, which also happens to be the 50th Anniversary of the TCS NYC Marathon! No backing out now!
I’ve never run a marathon or even a half marathon. Until now, I’ve never even considered running one and truthfully do not consider myself an avid runner. So how did I arrive at the decision to tackle the world’s most popular marathon, a 26.2 mile trek through the five boroughs on November 7th, 2021?
Here is my Why: This race for me is about something much greater than myself. I am humbled to have been selected to run on behalf of the Herren Project, a national nonprofit organization providing free resources and support for the treatment, recovery and prevention of substance abuse disorders. This amazing community of teammates from all across the world and all walks of life has inspired me with their stories, resilience and determination to overcome life’s toughest obstacles. I’ve seen many faces of addiction throughout the past few months while volunteering at the Helping up Mission in downtown Baltimore, another propelling factor that compelled me to get involved and try to make a difference in whatever small way I can.
I was also deeply inspired by Founder, Chris Herren’s story when I heard him speak at the Gilman School seven years ago. Herren, a former professional NBA basketball player fought a long battle with addiction that ended up costing him his career but he gained something greater- sobriety and a platform to make a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction. For the last ten years, Herren has dedicated his life to traveling all across the country sharing his story as a public speaker over 250 days a year to the likes of professional sports teams, TED Talks and college commencements as well as packed auditoriums of middle and high school students. Herren’s story is proof that addiction does not discriminate.
I have a fundraising goal of $5,000, with every dollar raised supporting the Herren project’s focus areas including effective treatment navigation, educational initiatives and mentoring programs for youth and at-risk populations in hopes of saving a life and making a difference in the lives of those touched by addiction.
Aside from my monetary commitment, I have a separate and equally important goal of promoting education and awareness regarding the stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction in an effort to change our collective consciousness when it comes to the realities surrounding these issues.
With this letter, I gratefully ask for your support. Your donation is tax-deductible and no donation is too small. I want to thank you in advance for your generosity with hope that this makes even a small difference in the lives of those battling addiction and the families who love and support them.
With love,
Lauren
More information about The Herren Project: OUR MISSION The mission of Herren Project is to support, inspire and empower those affected by substance use disorder. OUR GOALS Provide resources, guidance and support for individuals and families to receive quality care. To walk with individuals on their path to recovery. Empower our youth to make healthy decisions. Build an active community of recovery advocates across the USA.
With 2020 in the rearview mirror (phew), I know we are all looking ahead to a healthier and happier year to come. Like many of us trying to survive this challenging time, physical and mental health has been on the forefront of my mind and it seemed like no better time to set a goal that would enhance my mental, spiritual and physical well-being while more importantly bringing awareness and raising funds for a cause close to my heart. I’m graciously asking for your support as I embark on training for the 2021 New York City Marathon, which also happens to be the 50th Anniversary of the TCS NYC Marathon! No backing out now!
I’ve never run a marathon or even a half marathon. Until now, I’ve never even considered running one and truthfully do not consider myself an avid runner. So how did I arrive at the decision to tackle the world’s most popular marathon, a 26.2 mile trek through the five boroughs on November 7th, 2021?
Here is my Why: This race for me is about something much greater than myself. I am humbled to have been selected to run on behalf of the Herren Project, a national nonprofit organization providing free resources and support for the treatment, recovery and prevention of substance abuse disorders. This amazing community of teammates from all across the world and all walks of life has inspired me with their stories, resilience and determination to overcome life’s toughest obstacles. I’ve seen many faces of addiction throughout the past few months while volunteering at the Helping up Mission in downtown Baltimore, another propelling factor that compelled me to get involved and try to make a difference in whatever small way I can.
I was also deeply inspired by Founder, Chris Herren’s story when I heard him speak at the Gilman School seven years ago. Herren, a former professional NBA basketball player fought a long battle with addiction that ended up costing him his career but he gained something greater- sobriety and a platform to make a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction. For the last ten years, Herren has dedicated his life to traveling all across the country sharing his story as a public speaker over 250 days a year to the likes of professional sports teams, TED Talks and college commencements as well as packed auditoriums of middle and high school students. Herren’s story is proof that addiction does not discriminate.
I have a fundraising goal of $5,000, with every dollar raised supporting the Herren project’s focus areas including effective treatment navigation, educational initiatives and mentoring programs for youth and at-risk populations in hopes of saving a life and making a difference in the lives of those touched by addiction.
Aside from my monetary commitment, I have a separate and equally important goal of promoting education and awareness regarding the stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction in an effort to change our collective consciousness when it comes to the realities surrounding these issues.
With this letter, I gratefully ask for your support. Your donation is tax-deductible and no donation is too small. I want to thank you in advance for your generosity with hope that this makes even a small difference in the lives of those battling addiction and the families who love and support them.
With love,
Lauren
More information about The Herren Project: OUR MISSION The mission of Herren Project is to support, inspire and empower those affected by substance use disorder. OUR GOALS Provide resources, guidance and support for individuals and families to receive quality care. To walk with individuals on their path to recovery. Empower our youth to make healthy decisions. Build an active community of recovery advocates across the USA.
Organizer
Lauren Dahdah
Organizer
Baltimore, MD
The Herren Project
Beneficiary