Athens Marathon
My friend is running the Athens Marathon for a very worthwhile cause. Please read her story and contact her directly if you would like to sponsor.
thanks
mark
On November 8th, I will run the Athens marathon.
26 miles of hills, running the same course as the original marathon centuries ago and ending in the Olympic stadium. After much deliberation, I have chosen a cause to give this event some purpose that is larger than just my personal sense of achievement.
“Wounded Warrior Project” is a cause that speaks to my heart and I am asking for your individual sponsorship which can be made in 2 ways.
Per mile sponsorship (for example:$1 per mile sponsorship totals $26)
“Flat rate” sponsorship (any amount is appreciated)
How I chose this cause
We are fortunate in the USA to have an all volunteer military; it was not so in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia as it was called then) where I grew up in the middle of a civil war. As each of my 3 older brothers turned 18, they were conscripted and went to serve in different branches of the military. All three were wounded at different times. Etienne, the oldest was shot in the leg, a wound that turned gangrenous. Marcel, the second eldest lost hearing in one ear when an RPG rocket exploded beside him; the neurosurgeon was never able to get all the shrapnel out of his brain and face. Neither ever recovered from the trauma of experiencing violent guerilla warfare at such a young age. How do you ever sleep restfully again when you have seen horrors like severed heads stuffed on poles and dried human organs made into wallets and carried like trophies. Both suffered severely from post traumatic stress syndrome and went on to cope with life the best way they could, numbing the pain and trying to forget these images with alcohol and drugs. Marcel died at 39 and Etienne 3 years ago, far too early. Both broken men.
Pierre, my youngest brother claims he was the lucky one. He was driving the Landover that was ambushed by terrorists. Multiple AK47 bullets went through both ankles but he had to keep his foot on the gas – to stop would mean torture and death for the guys in his troop. No one lost their life that day. It took several skillful operations and many months of painful rehabilitation to finally ensure both feet were saved from amputation. Today, 30 years later Pierre lives with the constant dull ache from the steel rods and pins that connect his feet to his ankles and allow him the gift of being able to walk.. Yes, one leg is shorter and one foot does not bend at the ankle so he is unable to run, but nothing deters him from living life with zest and laughter. He is my hero because of his spirit and integrity and every step I run is for him, because he can’t.
We have no idea of knowing exactly what horrors and trauma our military forces experience in combat, but they serve this country to protect our way of life and keep us safe. No matter what side of the war debate you are on, no matter your political affiliation, these brave men and women need our continued support upon their return home. Wounded Warrior Project picks up where the military medical funding falls short. So please check out the website below and sponsor my run with whatever you can afford.
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/content/view/412/875/
I would appreciate you spreading the word and asking friends, acquaintances, even clients (where appropriate) to sponsor.
All you need to do is pledge to me via email, any amount this week and only once I cross the finish line, will I come looking for the checks.
Thank you.
Charmaine
Cell 954-806-6065
Charmaine du Plessis
International Yacht Collection
Executive Assistant
1850 SE 17th Street, Suite 301
Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 USA
toll free: (888) 213-7577
phone: (954) 522-2323
direct: (954) 769-9276
cell: (954) 806-6065
fax: (954) 522-2333
cduplessis@iyc.com
http://www.iyc.com
Tags: athens, marathon, non profit, running, VA, veterens, worthy causes
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