Hello!
This September, I am stepping outside my comfort zone to take on a massive physical challenge: I will be competing in a triathlon for SendTember to raise funds for the Send It Foundation. I am pushing my limits because I want to give back to an organization that completely changed my life.
There is also an amazing opportunity right now: every donation, big or small, will be matched $1 for $1 by a generous anonymous donor!
When I was diagnosed with cancer ten years ago at the age of 34, my world stopped. Navigating a life-threatening illness as a young adult is incredibly isolating. While your peers are building careers and planning their futures, you are suddenly forced to confront your own mortality. You are dealing with changing body image, fertility concerns, and a profound disconnect from the life you thought you were supposed to be living.
When I attended my first Send It program, I was nervous and unsure of my place. But what I found was an absolute lifeline. Send It gave me a community of people who understood exactly what I was going through without me ever having to explain it. They reintroduced me to the joy of movement, helped me discover a deep love for mountain biking, and reminded me that my body could still do amazing things. I learned how to live in the moment again.
Over the years, I have grown from a hesitant participant to a volunteer, and now I have the incredible honor of serving as the Board Chair. I see firsthand the profound impact this organization has, but I also see the urgent need. Right now, there is a waitlist of young adults who are desperate to find this same community and healing. We just need the resources to say "yes" to them.
Join My Team! This year, I do not want to cross the finish line alone. I am looking to build a team to race and fundraise alongside me! If you have ever wanted to try a triathlon, or if you simply want a reason to get outside, push your boundaries, and support an incredible cause, please reach out to me. Let's train, sweat, and make a difference together.
If racing is not in the cards for you, here are two huge ways you can still help:
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Donate: Contribute whatever you can. Remember, your gift will be doubled! A donation today does not just fund a program; it opens the door for a young adult to find connection, courage, and a community that gets it.
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Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Raising awareness is just as powerful as making a donation.
Thank you for your endless support, whether you are cheering me on, making a donation, or joining my triathlon team. Let's Send It together!
With deep gratitude and stoke,
Juliette Kern Board Chair