Hello everyone, I’m excited to share that I’ll be running the Whidbey Island Marathon on April 26, 2026, to raise money in honor of my cousin, Pava LaPere. On September 22, 2023, Pava was tragically killed. I don’t want the focus to be on her death, but rather on her life and everything she accomplished in just 26 years. Our last conversation was when I called to congratulate her on being recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. I joked that I was still “finding myself” as a nanny in a foreign country while she was being honored for her social impact by Forbes. Pava immediately corrected me, reminding me that I was forging my own path. She was fiery and stubborn, and deeply passionate about the things that motivated her.
Pava famously completed her training for a triathlon but never ran the race. Instead, on the day of the event, she stayed in bed and wrote an article about her experience. She reflected on the social pressure of signing up for a race; how it can change your body, your mindset, and even your ego. She questioned paying for a race when those funds could be used to support others, and recognized that she didn’t need a medal to prove she could finish. I think about Pava’s commitment to training often. The accomplishment of crossing the finish line isn’t defined by the 26 miles completed that day, but by the months of discipline and preparation leading up to it.
I used to think asking for donations was a little silly—after all, I chose to run this race. But the money I hope to raise isn’t about the race or the running; it’s for Pava. Her legacy lives on through the Pava Center at Johns Hopkins, her company EcoMap, and, most importantly, her family and friends. All funds will go directly to the estate of Pava Marie LaPere. The proceeds will support Frank LaPere, Pava’s father, in launching a new startup focused on strengthening Baltimore’s entrepreneurial community and closing support gaps for young founders. Please consider supporting this fundraiser in honor of Pava’s incredible impact and to help continue her legacy. Your generosity will make a real difference for young entrepreneurs in Baltimore.
Pava famously completed her training for a triathlon but never ran the race. Instead, on the day of the event, she stayed in bed and wrote an article about her experience. She reflected on the social pressure of signing up for a race; how it can change your body, your mindset, and even your ego. She questioned paying for a race when those funds could be used to support others, and recognized that she didn’t need a medal to prove she could finish. I think about Pava’s commitment to training often. The accomplishment of crossing the finish line isn’t defined by the 26 miles completed that day, but by the months of discipline and preparation leading up to it.
I used to think asking for donations was a little silly—after all, I chose to run this race. But the money I hope to raise isn’t about the race or the running; it’s for Pava. Her legacy lives on through the Pava Center at Johns Hopkins, her company EcoMap, and, most importantly, her family and friends. All funds will go directly to the estate of Pava Marie LaPere. The proceeds will support Frank LaPere, Pava’s father, in launching a new startup focused on strengthening Baltimore’s entrepreneurial community and closing support gaps for young founders. Please consider supporting this fundraiser in honor of Pava’s incredible impact and to help continue her legacy. Your generosity will make a real difference for young entrepreneurs in Baltimore.
Organizer and beneficiary
Francis LaPere
Beneficiary