This April, I’ll be running the Eugene half marathon in support of CASA of Lane County.

Why this matters to me:

As a current Board Member for CASA of Marion County, I see firsthand the incredible impact these organizations have on the lives of children in the foster care system. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers are the "eyes and ears" of the court, ensuring that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect has a powerful voice and a safe, permanent home.

While I serve our children in Marion County, the mission of CASA knows no borders. Every child in foster care deserves an advocate, and I am proud to support our neighbors in Lane County through this event.

The Training Journey:

I’m not doing this alone! I am training for these 13.1 miles alongside my best friend, Sharon. We’ve been hitting the trails together, pushing each other through the long runs, and keeping our "why" at the center of every mile. Having a partner in training reminds me of the importance of having someone in your corner—which is exactly what a CASA volunteer is for a child in care.

How you can help:

Donate: Whether it’s $1 or $100, every dollar directly supports the recruitment and training of volunteers who change children's lives.

Spread the Word: Share my page with your network! The more people who know about CASA, the more advocates we can provide for kids in need.

Thank you for standing by me (and Sharon!) as we run for a reason. Your support means the world to me and, more importantly, to the children we serve.