Let's face it: we all have to start somewhere.
I am not the fastest. I always have been slow, and today, that is no exception. When I was growing up playing sports, it was about who was fast, who was strong...I could hang in there, but I was not quick by any stretch of the imagination. I think the missing component was the idea of "life-long fitness". When I got to college, I saw people of all shapes and sizes who would go out for a walk, or even go running, or go work out. Those were new ideas for me, so I tried it. I did find that I enjoyed it, but life in college is full of transitions and new beginnings, so anytime I would start a routine, it would end soon due to moving, change in classes, etc...
I got married at age 23, and I can honestly tell you that since then, I tried once to get in shape; and it lasted about 3-5 months. I think I was 32 years old and Kacie was 5. All the while I was trying to get pregnant, so I was afraid that exercise would affect my chance at getting pregnant. Stupid, right? After that we began the adoption process, where I proceeded to gain a bit more weight. And then...I hit my all time high in weight last summer (sorry, not ready to share that number just yet!) other than when I was prego. So I started to exercise last August. I started exercising, walking, attempting to jog, elliptical...trying to find my niche in the exercise world. It was hard, but I knew it was time.
I will never forget the first night in January (yes, I ran in the dark) I put two miles together. I was so proud of myself! It was 2 miles, back to back, in a row. And those two miles took me 27 minutes to complete. Even though I was so happy about my two miles, I was embarrassed that I was so slow. I look back on that and think, WHY? I did it! I was making progress. As a teacher, I tell my students that it's OK to be at different places in our rate of learning. Now I have to take that pill and swallow it, and it doesn't go down easy.
So with that, I'm going to share some times I've never shared, and I'm doing this to show others that it doesn't matter really because you are where you are, and you can't make growth if you don't analyze where you are and where you want to go.
Last Saturday, I ran my first 5K, and my time was 35:15. Not bad for my first race, but definitely on the slower side. But now I have something to compare to. So the other day I ran 3 miles, and I did it in 33:20. Improvement! And I'm feeling the difference in pace too. If I'm only running three miles (did you read that...ONLY 3 miles...3 months ago I was celebrating 2 miles), I can see a quick end in sight.
Today, I set a new personal best: 8 miles! And my time was 1 hour 40 min. I stopped three times, but the first two are legit: #1: I had a rock in my shoe. #2: I stashed a water bottle, so I stopped for drink at 40 min. #3: I do have a problem with my toes tingling and numbness, so at about 6.25 miles I had to stop to get the blood flowing back to my toes. That last stop was probably a few minutes. Now I know that's slow, I get that. But again, if you would have told me that I would run 8 miles 3 months ago, I'd have said, "No, I'll be happy with 3 miles." So again, I have a new mark to judge myself from. I set out to stay on my feet for 1 hour 45 min. I did that, so I reached my goal. I had no idea how many miles I'd do. When I realized I was at 8 miles, I decided to call it good, go get my stashed water bottle, and head home. Another victory is that for the moment, my feet feel good, but I won't know until tomorrow how my ankles will feel. I iced my knees as soon as I got home. So my time was about 12:35 per mile. That is also a major improvement from my 13-14 min miles back in January. If I didn't have the toe numbness, I probably could improve that time, but I get one body and I have to deal with it. Now next weekend, I have to do a long run of 2 hours. I'm hoping to get 9 miles out of it. I'm also looking forward to my orthotics coming in and seeing if those help my back/ankles/toes.
So my progress is just that...my progress. There will always be people out there who are faster, can run farther, etc...so this is where I am in my journey. I still think 8 miles is pretty darn good, and if I can do it, anyone can! Also, my total weight loss is now -35 lbs! I am still overweight for sure, but hopefully I can lose another 10 before the half marathon (which is in two months!); and I'll still be overweight, but that's OK...because it's progress! I am trying to embrace the idea of fitness and how it "fits" into my life. I have this great goal of the half marathon now. I'm not sure what my new goal will be after that, but for now, I'm just trying to do the best that Jolene can do!
Enjoy this beautiful day! Jolene
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
My first 5K!
Well, I've cried 4 times today, which is more than I've cried in two months.
I showed up to my 5K event at about 8:30 this morning, and it was colder outside than was expected. The race itself was great. Fewer people turned out than I had anticipated, but it's in its second year, so hopefully more will turn out in the future. It's called "Cure the Kids" and it's for the Seattle Children's Foundation. Anyway, the course was a loop, so two loops was 5K. I had expected sidewalks, streets, maybe a lap around the campus of St. Martin's University. What I didn't expect was different terrains: grass, gravel, a trail, all in addition to the pavement. There was one good hill, so of course I got to do that twice :)
So my first cry was within the first mile when I realized I am running in a 5K. I know 3 miles really isn't a big deal, and I certainly wasn't running it to win, but if you knew me a year ago, or heck even 9 months ago, you'd know that this was NOT on my agenda or things-to-do list. And I don't even think it's about excuses. Sure I had plenty, and I will still tell you they were legit. I was busy. I was tired. But most importantly, I didn't want to exercise. Straight up...I wasn't ready to do it. Yet today, April 14, 2012, I was running a 5K. The emotion caught up with me, and suddenly tears were streaking down my face. Then I thought to myself, Oh crap, there's people up there, and they are going to think I'm already tired or hurt. So I brushed the tears away, put on a big smile, and continued on. My time is certainly nothing to brag about, but I think for my first race, the terrain, and the fact that I'm still overweight, I'm pretty happy that I just ran it, and that my injuries didn't prevent me from getting to the starting line. And my foot feels pretty good too!
After the race I went and watched one of my students play baseball for awhile, then I went shopping, and it was during this shopping trip I had my second cry of the day. I tried on clothes, and I am down at least one size or more from where I was 8 months ago. I can shop in the regular section of a store. Not the women's section...not the XXL or 1X or 2X...nope, I can wear regular sized jeans and I can try on any shirt in the store. Is the jeans size still huge? Of course...but I can go to the rack that has all the other sizes on it, and I can fit into them. Yep, I cried, and I spent money today, because darn it, those clothes fit!
So I drove home feeling so awesome about my day. I had a blast at the run, and I'm loving shopping again.
I was cooking an early dinner, and the chicken was in the oven and the potatoes were on the stove in boiling water--both about finished when I heard a loud "POP" sound. My husband and I ran to the stove. After debating, we realized it's dead. We are getting ready to do a kitchen remodel, and a new range was not in the budget. Now it is. And that was my third cry of the day because I hate being in debt.
And the last cry of the day? Well, that one is personal, so I won't share it, but let's just say that for as awesome as the first half of the day was, the second half was as equally awful. I really can't wait to get to church tomorrow. God often has a way of speaking to me during worship, and it helps me to understand what I'm going through.
Next steps? I'm going to try a longer run/walk tomorrow. I've got to increase my time, but when I do, that's when the foot/ankle injuries kick in. So I'm thinking I'll just add walking to the running. I hope it works!
Thanks for following my journey...it's been interesting to say the least!
Jolene
I showed up to my 5K event at about 8:30 this morning, and it was colder outside than was expected. The race itself was great. Fewer people turned out than I had anticipated, but it's in its second year, so hopefully more will turn out in the future. It's called "Cure the Kids" and it's for the Seattle Children's Foundation. Anyway, the course was a loop, so two loops was 5K. I had expected sidewalks, streets, maybe a lap around the campus of St. Martin's University. What I didn't expect was different terrains: grass, gravel, a trail, all in addition to the pavement. There was one good hill, so of course I got to do that twice :)
So my first cry was within the first mile when I realized I am running in a 5K. I know 3 miles really isn't a big deal, and I certainly wasn't running it to win, but if you knew me a year ago, or heck even 9 months ago, you'd know that this was NOT on my agenda or things-to-do list. And I don't even think it's about excuses. Sure I had plenty, and I will still tell you they were legit. I was busy. I was tired. But most importantly, I didn't want to exercise. Straight up...I wasn't ready to do it. Yet today, April 14, 2012, I was running a 5K. The emotion caught up with me, and suddenly tears were streaking down my face. Then I thought to myself, Oh crap, there's people up there, and they are going to think I'm already tired or hurt. So I brushed the tears away, put on a big smile, and continued on. My time is certainly nothing to brag about, but I think for my first race, the terrain, and the fact that I'm still overweight, I'm pretty happy that I just ran it, and that my injuries didn't prevent me from getting to the starting line. And my foot feels pretty good too!
After the race I went and watched one of my students play baseball for awhile, then I went shopping, and it was during this shopping trip I had my second cry of the day. I tried on clothes, and I am down at least one size or more from where I was 8 months ago. I can shop in the regular section of a store. Not the women's section...not the XXL or 1X or 2X...nope, I can wear regular sized jeans and I can try on any shirt in the store. Is the jeans size still huge? Of course...but I can go to the rack that has all the other sizes on it, and I can fit into them. Yep, I cried, and I spent money today, because darn it, those clothes fit!
So I drove home feeling so awesome about my day. I had a blast at the run, and I'm loving shopping again.
I was cooking an early dinner, and the chicken was in the oven and the potatoes were on the stove in boiling water--both about finished when I heard a loud "POP" sound. My husband and I ran to the stove. After debating, we realized it's dead. We are getting ready to do a kitchen remodel, and a new range was not in the budget. Now it is. And that was my third cry of the day because I hate being in debt.
And the last cry of the day? Well, that one is personal, so I won't share it, but let's just say that for as awesome as the first half of the day was, the second half was as equally awful. I really can't wait to get to church tomorrow. God often has a way of speaking to me during worship, and it helps me to understand what I'm going through.
Next steps? I'm going to try a longer run/walk tomorrow. I've got to increase my time, but when I do, that's when the foot/ankle injuries kick in. So I'm thinking I'll just add walking to the running. I hope it works!
Thanks for following my journey...it's been interesting to say the least!
Jolene
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Update--the good, the bad, and the ugly
I can't tell it in that order though, so we'll go backward:
THE UGLY: I did the St Patrick's Day Dash in Seattle on March 17th--WITH THE FLU. No kidding. I got sick on the 15th at school, and by that night I had a 101 temp and throwing up. I took the next day off school (and I never stay home sick), but we already had a baby sitter, and the temp seemed to have subsided, so my husband and I fled to Seattle. My rationale: I can be sick in a hotel room just as easily as I can at home. And that's what I did. The night before the race, I ate a salad, and I was upset because my body was so weak, I didn't know if I'd be able to run the 4 miles. When I woke up the next morning, I didn't know if I could WALK the four miles! But we did it. I tried to run but I was to tired. I did walk it, but at the end I was freezing and it began raining, then snowing! We went back to the hotel, where I proceeded to have a temp and chills the rest of the day. Bummer...
Oh well, there's always the 5K in Hoquiam on April 7th, right? So I thought....
THE BAD: I was debating whether or not to do a 5K or 10K at a race in my area. I had finally resigned to the do the 5K, and I was excited. On April 1st, I went out for a 7 mile run. Really, all I did was add 10 minutes to my previous long run. When I got home I got ready for church, and I could feel something pulling in my foot. By that evening, we were out at the beach at a hotel for a few days, and I could barely walk the halls. I was sure I had pulled something in my foot. Not good. And sadly, day after day, it did not get much better. I did the elliptical on Monday, Tuesday, and then Thursday came...
By this time, I decided I would not be doing the Hoquiam run. I was at the Y working out, doing the nautilus machines, and I was doing the one that works your abs. I forgot that I had been skipping that machine for the last week or two, and I put my normal weight on it, and after I finished my third set, when I stood up my legs almost gave out on me, and I felt a pull in my lower back like no other pain I've ever felt. I walked out to the bench, sat down, and thought, "What the hell have I done this time?" Sorry for the swearing...but just being honest--those were the words my brain produced. So I walked, you know the whole "Walk it off" routine...and although it still hurt, I proceeded to do an hour on an elliptical-ish machine (not sure what it is, but I only use it when I'm hurt). Well, let's just say I spent the next two days on the couch or in bed with ice on my back. I took this as a sign that God was going to see to it that I rested my foot.
By Monday, my foot felt great and my back was at about 85%. I was feeling up to trying to run, and I did. I jogged 3 miles and walked 1. OK, that's good, right? Except my foot decided it wasn't done being aggravated...grrrr...
So I won't bore you with the rest of my week, but lets just say I have my theories, and I'm working through it. My foot WILL heal. I haven't hit the weights this week, as I have been letting my back heal and I didn't want to injure it further. I did run on Wed, and Tues/Thurs were elliptical and spinning (see, I just bored you with my workouts, sorry).
I was starting to feel a bit jinxed about races, but I really need to get a race (or more) under my belt before the 1/2 marathon, which is only 2 months away--eek!
THE GOOD: There is a lot of good!
1. I had already signed up for a 5K for Saturday, and I'm going to do it. It's Cure the Kids, and it's for the Seattle Children's Foundation. Seattle Children's Hospital is the same hospital my son Tyson goes to for his cranio-facial team for his cleft lip/palate. I saw this race and just felt I had to do it. I am not working out tomorrow, so I WILL make it to this starting line.
2. I am getting fitted for orthotics on Tuesday. I feel like a wimp admitting that, but I also hope it will help my foot and keep me going for many years to come.
3. I'm still exercising. Yes, me...I'm still doing it. 9 months straight, which is a total record for me. I haven't lost any lbs recently, but my total is -32 lbs (on a good day of course LOL). Maybe it's another plateau, maybe it's muscle, or maybe it's the popcorn I still eat at night. But I am still exercising.
4. I played pickle ball today with my sixth graders in PE. I do that every year, but this year, it just felt different--it felt good! I need to do that more often!
5. And of course, the 1/2 marathon...
I have really been struggling with these injuries. I feel like my training isn't where it needs to be. In fact, I know it's not where it needs to be. And you know what? That is OK! On one hand, I feel like I'm not going to meet my goal of running the entire 13.1 miles. It's looking like I will probably end up walking part of it. But at the same time, I HAVE NOT QUIT! I set a goal, and I'm doing the best I can to make it. Sure, now I have to tweak that goal a bit, but I will run in that 1/2 marathon, and even if I have to walk a little, I will still finish 13.1 miles. Do you hear that? I will get to the starting line, and I will finish!
I won't lie, there are days I don't want to run. Cross Training has been a great way to keep running fun because I don't run 5 days a week. I might run 3 or 4 days a week, then I throw in a day of elliptical, and day of spinning (which is the best 45 minutes of exercise I've ever experienced in my life), and 3 days a week of weights (nothing major, but enough that it is resistance training that is producing positive results). On those days I don't want to run, I think of a child like Almudena, the child that LWB has assigned to me as my inspiration. I wish I could figure out how to post her picture here because you'd fall in love with that cherubic little face. I think of Tyson, and I think of how someone gave him a cleft lip operation, and they did an amazing job! So I keep running. I don't quit, and I won't give up.
Sometimes I think Satan is really just out to get me because he knows how much good is coming from this experience. I am seeing God move in ways I never dreamed. I'm hearing God speak to me. And I know God is going to use this experience to further His will. Satan doesn't like this, and he will lie, cheat, and steal from me to make me give up. But I won't, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And lastly....
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phillippians 1:6
Thanks for reading, and sorry it's so long...I'll try to post more often so the posts will be shorter!
Jolene
THE UGLY: I did the St Patrick's Day Dash in Seattle on March 17th--WITH THE FLU. No kidding. I got sick on the 15th at school, and by that night I had a 101 temp and throwing up. I took the next day off school (and I never stay home sick), but we already had a baby sitter, and the temp seemed to have subsided, so my husband and I fled to Seattle. My rationale: I can be sick in a hotel room just as easily as I can at home. And that's what I did. The night before the race, I ate a salad, and I was upset because my body was so weak, I didn't know if I'd be able to run the 4 miles. When I woke up the next morning, I didn't know if I could WALK the four miles! But we did it. I tried to run but I was to tired. I did walk it, but at the end I was freezing and it began raining, then snowing! We went back to the hotel, where I proceeded to have a temp and chills the rest of the day. Bummer...
Oh well, there's always the 5K in Hoquiam on April 7th, right? So I thought....
THE BAD: I was debating whether or not to do a 5K or 10K at a race in my area. I had finally resigned to the do the 5K, and I was excited. On April 1st, I went out for a 7 mile run. Really, all I did was add 10 minutes to my previous long run. When I got home I got ready for church, and I could feel something pulling in my foot. By that evening, we were out at the beach at a hotel for a few days, and I could barely walk the halls. I was sure I had pulled something in my foot. Not good. And sadly, day after day, it did not get much better. I did the elliptical on Monday, Tuesday, and then Thursday came...
By this time, I decided I would not be doing the Hoquiam run. I was at the Y working out, doing the nautilus machines, and I was doing the one that works your abs. I forgot that I had been skipping that machine for the last week or two, and I put my normal weight on it, and after I finished my third set, when I stood up my legs almost gave out on me, and I felt a pull in my lower back like no other pain I've ever felt. I walked out to the bench, sat down, and thought, "What the hell have I done this time?" Sorry for the swearing...but just being honest--those were the words my brain produced. So I walked, you know the whole "Walk it off" routine...and although it still hurt, I proceeded to do an hour on an elliptical-ish machine (not sure what it is, but I only use it when I'm hurt). Well, let's just say I spent the next two days on the couch or in bed with ice on my back. I took this as a sign that God was going to see to it that I rested my foot.
By Monday, my foot felt great and my back was at about 85%. I was feeling up to trying to run, and I did. I jogged 3 miles and walked 1. OK, that's good, right? Except my foot decided it wasn't done being aggravated...grrrr...
So I won't bore you with the rest of my week, but lets just say I have my theories, and I'm working through it. My foot WILL heal. I haven't hit the weights this week, as I have been letting my back heal and I didn't want to injure it further. I did run on Wed, and Tues/Thurs were elliptical and spinning (see, I just bored you with my workouts, sorry).
I was starting to feel a bit jinxed about races, but I really need to get a race (or more) under my belt before the 1/2 marathon, which is only 2 months away--eek!
THE GOOD: There is a lot of good!
1. I had already signed up for a 5K for Saturday, and I'm going to do it. It's Cure the Kids, and it's for the Seattle Children's Foundation. Seattle Children's Hospital is the same hospital my son Tyson goes to for his cranio-facial team for his cleft lip/palate. I saw this race and just felt I had to do it. I am not working out tomorrow, so I WILL make it to this starting line.
2. I am getting fitted for orthotics on Tuesday. I feel like a wimp admitting that, but I also hope it will help my foot and keep me going for many years to come.
3. I'm still exercising. Yes, me...I'm still doing it. 9 months straight, which is a total record for me. I haven't lost any lbs recently, but my total is -32 lbs (on a good day of course LOL). Maybe it's another plateau, maybe it's muscle, or maybe it's the popcorn I still eat at night. But I am still exercising.
4. I played pickle ball today with my sixth graders in PE. I do that every year, but this year, it just felt different--it felt good! I need to do that more often!
5. And of course, the 1/2 marathon...
I have really been struggling with these injuries. I feel like my training isn't where it needs to be. In fact, I know it's not where it needs to be. And you know what? That is OK! On one hand, I feel like I'm not going to meet my goal of running the entire 13.1 miles. It's looking like I will probably end up walking part of it. But at the same time, I HAVE NOT QUIT! I set a goal, and I'm doing the best I can to make it. Sure, now I have to tweak that goal a bit, but I will run in that 1/2 marathon, and even if I have to walk a little, I will still finish 13.1 miles. Do you hear that? I will get to the starting line, and I will finish!
I won't lie, there are days I don't want to run. Cross Training has been a great way to keep running fun because I don't run 5 days a week. I might run 3 or 4 days a week, then I throw in a day of elliptical, and day of spinning (which is the best 45 minutes of exercise I've ever experienced in my life), and 3 days a week of weights (nothing major, but enough that it is resistance training that is producing positive results). On those days I don't want to run, I think of a child like Almudena, the child that LWB has assigned to me as my inspiration. I wish I could figure out how to post her picture here because you'd fall in love with that cherubic little face. I think of Tyson, and I think of how someone gave him a cleft lip operation, and they did an amazing job! So I keep running. I don't quit, and I won't give up.
Sometimes I think Satan is really just out to get me because he knows how much good is coming from this experience. I am seeing God move in ways I never dreamed. I'm hearing God speak to me. And I know God is going to use this experience to further His will. Satan doesn't like this, and he will lie, cheat, and steal from me to make me give up. But I won't, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And lastly....
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phillippians 1:6
Thanks for reading, and sorry it's so long...I'll try to post more often so the posts will be shorter!
Jolene
Thursday, April 5, 2012
My TeamLWB fundraising letter--Please help!
Dear Family and Friends,
On June 23rd, I will be running in the Seattle Rock n Roll Half-Marathon. I am running to benefit orphaned children in China on a team for Love Without Boundaries (www.TeamLWB.com). The funds raised by Team LWB in the Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon will go directly to provide life-changing medical care for an orphan in China through the LWB Medical Program. I am commited to running for this important cause and I am asking for your help to make an even greater difference.
There are over a million orphaned children in China, many of them living in institutions. Throughout the orphanage system in China, there are babies who need medical care. Through LWB’s Medical Program, TeamLWB will help provide funding for many types of surgeries and medical care, including:
• Heart surgery • Cleft lip and palate surgery • Colorectal repairs • Tumor and neurological issues • Club foot casting
• General surgeries, such as hernia repair and intestinal issues • Orthopedic care and evaluation • Preemie care
I am running on behalf of a child like Almudena, pictured above. Almudena is from Tongren in central southern China and was born with cleft lip and palate, which is the same congenital birth defect my son Tyson was born with. Normally an infant will have their cleft lip surgery when they are 4-8 months old, but sweet Almudena had to wait much longer than that. When she was 2-and-a-half she finally had her lip surgery. She loves sharing her beautiful smile! Now, at age 3, Almudena needs to have her cleft palate closed so she can eat more easily and her speech can develop appropriately.
Will you please help me reach my goal of raising $500, which will help sponsor a child like Almudena who needs cleft lip or palate surgery? If you would like to help, you can donate online specifically for me by going to www.TeamLWB.com and click “Donate” under Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon. Or you may send a check directly to LWB, P.O. Box 25016 Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0016. Please make the check payable to Love Without Boundaries and note my name and Seattle Rock 'n' Roll 2012 on your check.
Thank you for partnering with me to give the priceless gift of hope and healing to a child like Almudena, or even a child like Tyson. Tyson’s cleft lip was repaired in China, but I don’t know who provided Tyson’s surgery. Therefore, this is my opportunity to pay it forward to help orphaned children in China who need medical intervention right now. Your donation will truly change the lives of orphaned children, and I cannot thank you enough for your support!
With great thanks and blessings,
Jolene Powell
Love Without Boundaries is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-exempt. In 2011, 152 children received surgery through their medical program. LWB holds Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating and less than 10% of your donation goes to administrative overhead. For more information about Love Without Boundaries, visit www.lovewithoutboundaries.com.
On June 23rd, I will be running in the Seattle Rock n Roll Half-Marathon. I am running to benefit orphaned children in China on a team for Love Without Boundaries (www.TeamLWB.com). The funds raised by Team LWB in the Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon will go directly to provide life-changing medical care for an orphan in China through the LWB Medical Program. I am commited to running for this important cause and I am asking for your help to make an even greater difference.
There are over a million orphaned children in China, many of them living in institutions. Throughout the orphanage system in China, there are babies who need medical care. Through LWB’s Medical Program, TeamLWB will help provide funding for many types of surgeries and medical care, including:
• Heart surgery • Cleft lip and palate surgery • Colorectal repairs • Tumor and neurological issues • Club foot casting
• General surgeries, such as hernia repair and intestinal issues • Orthopedic care and evaluation • Preemie care
I am running on behalf of a child like Almudena, pictured above. Almudena is from Tongren in central southern China and was born with cleft lip and palate, which is the same congenital birth defect my son Tyson was born with. Normally an infant will have their cleft lip surgery when they are 4-8 months old, but sweet Almudena had to wait much longer than that. When she was 2-and-a-half she finally had her lip surgery. She loves sharing her beautiful smile! Now, at age 3, Almudena needs to have her cleft palate closed so she can eat more easily and her speech can develop appropriately.
Will you please help me reach my goal of raising $500, which will help sponsor a child like Almudena who needs cleft lip or palate surgery? If you would like to help, you can donate online specifically for me by going to www.TeamLWB.com and click “Donate” under Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon. Or you may send a check directly to LWB, P.O. Box 25016 Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0016. Please make the check payable to Love Without Boundaries and note my name and Seattle Rock 'n' Roll 2012 on your check.
Thank you for partnering with me to give the priceless gift of hope and healing to a child like Almudena, or even a child like Tyson. Tyson’s cleft lip was repaired in China, but I don’t know who provided Tyson’s surgery. Therefore, this is my opportunity to pay it forward to help orphaned children in China who need medical intervention right now. Your donation will truly change the lives of orphaned children, and I cannot thank you enough for your support!
With great thanks and blessings,
Jolene Powell
Love Without Boundaries is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-exempt. In 2011, 152 children received surgery through their medical program. LWB holds Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating and less than 10% of your donation goes to administrative overhead. For more information about Love Without Boundaries, visit www.lovewithoutboundaries.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)