My San Diego Marathon Journey: Miles for CRAB

Hi everyone!

My name is Brooke and I am originally from Annapolis, Maryland (Go Navy!). Every year I run a half-marathon or marathon for charity - a way to give back to communities and organizations that mean a lot to me. This year I will be running the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon on June 1, 2025. A course with several hills, but gorgeous views right in the heart of sunny San Diego, California.

A little background on myself for those that do not know me:

I am originally from Annapolis, Maryland, a small town with a sailing problem, and have lived all over the United States. I have a passion for travel, photography, and helping others. One community that has always been part of my life is those with special needs and disabilities.

My passion for helping this community started at a young age. My younger sister, Abigail, is developmentally delayed, blind/deaf, has cerebral palsy, and is medically fragile. From a young age she taught me how to be compassionate and have patience with others. She motivated me to chase my dreams in assisting and advocating for the disabled community. 25 years later, I successfully became a Registered Nurse (7 years in) and started my own business as a Day-to-Day Administrator for those with special needs and disabilities.

This years organization that I will be raising money for is Chesapeake Region Boating Accessible (CRAB).

So what is CRAB?

"Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) was founded on the principle that people with disabilities can and should be able to live fulfilling and joyful lives and have equitable access to meaningful therapeutic recreation. Providing the therapeutic benefits of sailing to people with disabilities, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities. People with disabilities and underserved youth face daunting challenges; limited access to community services, inactivity, isolation, and poor self-esteem, which can lead to a lower quality of life. At the same time, the veterans, youth, and adults who participate in CRAB’s programs experience an increase in their quality of life through outdoor recreation that many never thought possible".

CRAB is an organization that I closely work with to ensure that individuals with disabilities and special needs can engage in a community and promote independence in their lives. CRAB has been assisting these individuals for over 30 years and continues to enrich the lives of those that have Cerebral Palsy, deafness, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, blindness, Autism Spectrum, PTSD, TBI, limb difference, paraplegia, quadriplegia, stroke, cancer, and the elderly. Organizations like CRAB are extremely important to this community and is life-changing for these individuals.

Through donations and volunteering, special needs and disabled individuals are able to attend FREE classes that CRAB puts together.

My goal for this race is to finish in 4 hours and 45 minutes and raise $1,500. All proceeds will be sent to CRAB once the race is completed.

I am excited for you to follow along and join me in my race to raising awareness for Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB)!

Sincerely,

Brooke

For more information on CRAB, please visit this website. If you would like to make a direct donation to CRAB, please follow this link.

All images and videos have been provided by Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating and granted permission to use for this fundraiser.