<div>‍♀️ I'm Running for More Than a Medal — I'm Running for a Mission 
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<div>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. 
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<div>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.
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<div>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.
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<div>When a child is matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister, they gain:
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<div>A consistent, caring adult role model
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<div>A boost in self-confidence and self-worth
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<div>Higher aspirations for school and their future
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<div>A greater chance of staying out of trouble and on the path to success
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<div>Mentorship changes lives. It saves lives. And you can be part of that change.
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<div>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:
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<div>Recruit and train safe, qualified adult mentors
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<div>Provide ongoing professional support to every match
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<div>Fund background checks, match activities, and youth development programming
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<div>Expand outreach to reach even more children across St. Clair, Madison, Clinton, and Monroe counties
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<div>Every dollar gets us closer to one more match. One more changed life.
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<div>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. 
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<div>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.
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<div>Be a Defender of Potential. Donate today.
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<div>And if you can’t give, please help me spread the word by sharing this page. Let’s run toward a brighter future — together.
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<div>#TeamBigDefenders #MentorshipMatters #BBBSIL #DefendersOfPotential
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Anonymous

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Lori Unverfehrt

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Brent Kirby

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Kim Metze

Amelia Keeley

Christina Cathcart

Support Team Big Defenders: Race with Us

Support Team Big Defenders: Race with Us

Still $2,430 to go. Help us build momentum.