I’m not a runner, but I’m passionate about the Fasting 5K because it helps nonprofits and communities across the country and abroad further their missions of youth empowerment. This year, the Fasting 5K is supporting projects assisting youth with disabilities.

For its local charity, Detroit will be raising money for Project Venture, a three-day program held by the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at Michigan State University (MSU) Lansing. Project venture is a unique on-campus, pre-college experience for high school students between the ages of 16-18 with a disability. It offers the chance to “try on” university life through an interactive experience, encouraging students with disabilities to pursue higher education.

For their international charity, all participating Fasting 5K cities are fundraising for IMANA Medical Relief, in support of their SaveSmile Surgical Mission projects. IMANA performs cleft lip surgeries on small children and youth in Khartoum, Sudan. The cost of materials and medicine for each cleft lip procedure is about $200, and 30 percent of all donations from each city running the Fasting 5K will go toward this project. ​

I am thrilled to be a small part of this effort and sincerely thank you for your contribution, large or small. Together, we’re helping high school students with disabilities achieve higher education and bringing smiles to children.