Support Team Big Defenders: Race with Us

‍♀️ I'm Running for More Than a Medal — I'm Running for a Mission

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois (BBBSIL) has been chosen as the featured charity for the Belleville Half and Full Marathon — and I’m honored to be running on TEAM BIG DEFENDERS to raise both funds and awareness for a cause that’s incredibly important.

Right now, more than 80 children in our local communities are on the waitlist for a mentor. That’s over 80 kids who are hoping, wishing, and waiting for someone to show up for them — someone to believe in them, cheer them on, and walk beside them through life’s challenges.

Many of these children come from single-parent homes, are living in poverty, or face trauma and instability every day. But we know one thing can make all the difference: a mentor.

When a child is matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister, they gain:

A consistent, caring adult role model

A boost in self-confidence and self-worth

Higher aspirations for school and their future

A greater chance of staying out of trouble and on the path to success

Mentorship changes lives. It saves lives. And you can be part of that change.

I'm asking you to donate to my GoFundMe to help us raise critical funds so we can move these 80+ kids off the waitlist and into life-changing relationships. Your support will help:

Recruit and train safe, qualified adult mentors

Provide ongoing professional support to every match

Fund background checks, match activities, and youth development programming

Expand outreach to reach even more children across St. Clair, Madison, Clinton, and Monroe counties

Every dollar gets us closer to one more match. One more changed life.

And while I train and run those miles, I’ll be thinking about every single child waiting for their Big. I’ll be running with them in my heart — and I hope you’ll be cheering me on every step of the way.

Whether you give $5 or $500, your support means the world. Together, let’s show these kids they are seen, they are valued, and they are never alone.

Be a Defender of Potential. Donate today.

And if you can’t give, please help me spread the word by sharing this page. Let’s run toward a brighter future — together.

#TeamBigDefenders #MentorshipMatters #BBBSIL #DefendersOfPotential