T*A*P*S & Marine Corps 10K

I recently volunteered as a mentor for a children's camp. Most of you who know me know that me volunteering at a children's camp is not big news. :) However, this camp was different. It was for children who have fathers that have served in the military and paid the ultimate price for the freedom of others. 175 kids showed up and each of them had suffered a great loss. I was a mentor for Sarah; a 7 year old whose father died in February of 2003. Since then she has lived in Florida with her Mom and two brothers, one older and one younger.

The TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) Good Grief Camp helps these kids by pairing each of them with a mentor and doing activities focused on dealing with grief. They also find comfort in knowing that the other kids in their group have suffered a similar loss.

It was fun weekend and at the same time it was heart wrenching. It didn't take long for Sarah's smile to capture my heart and by the end of the weekend, after carrying her on my shoulders nearly everywhere we went, we had become good friends.

When I found out I could run a 10K race during the Marine Corps Marathon to help raise money for TAPS I signed up right away. TAPS has helped many families that have had loved ones die in the service of this great nation. I wanted to do something to help families like Sarah's so I have set a goal to raise $1000 for TAPS. I will be running in memory of Sarah's dad, Tim. Please visit my fund raising page by using the link below if you are interested in supporting this worthy cause. Thanks in advance for your support and your prayers for Sarah and her family.

Fund Raising Page

TAPS Home Page

The race is October 28th here in Washington DC.

- footprints of Chad, 4:06 PM

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