Ladies, Gentlemen, Friends, & Family!
I will run the Philadelphia Marathon, my fourth marathon, on November 22nd to benefit American Veterans with Brain Injuries, Inc (AVBI). When I ran the Marine Corps Marathon last October for the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, I raised $1570, which was $570 more than my goal. This time around, my goal is to raise $2000.
As you may know, I have fully immersed myself in the Army and running over the past few years. In May, I graduated from West Point and was commissioned as an Ordnance officer. I am currently at Fort Lee, VA for Ordnance-specific training, and am scheduled to report to Germany for three years in February 2010. My goals throughout my running career have ranged from completing a marathon in under 4 hours, to qualifying for the Boston marathon, to my current goal of achieving a Guinness World Record™ as the ’Fastest marathon in full military uniform (female).’ GWR’s definition of a full military uniform is the Army Combat Uniform top, pants, boots, helmet, and body armor (yes—including plates).
I will run the Philadelphia Marathon, my fourth marathon, on November 22nd to benefit American Veterans with Brain Injuries, Inc (AVBI). When I ran the Marine Corps Marathon last October for the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, I raised $1570, which was $570 more than my goal. This time around, my goal is to raise $2000.
As you may know, I have fully immersed myself in the Army and running over the past few years. In May, I graduated from West Point and was commissioned as an Ordnance officer. I am currently at Fort Lee, VA for Ordnance-specific training, and am scheduled to report to Germany for three years in February 2010. My goals throughout my running career have ranged from completing a marathon in under 4 hours, to qualifying for the Boston marathon, to my current goal of achieving a Guinness World Record™ as the ’Fastest marathon in full military uniform (female).’ GWR’s definition of a full military uniform is the Army Combat Uniform top, pants, boots, helmet, and body armor (yes—including plates).
Sophie's Marathon for
American Veterans with Brain Injuries
American Veterans with Brain Injuries
AVBI was organized in 2004 to offer support to the families of American Servicemembers and Veterans who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. One such Soldier is Chris Lynch. Chris was a runner who suffered a brain injury which caused incoordination to the point that he could no longer run. Since his injury, he has relentlessly trained and competed in marathons on a hand cycle. After reading about courageous servicemen like Chris, I felt humbled and inspired to do something for this organization. It made sense to me to raise funds for AVBI while embracing the challenge of running it in combat gear to generate awareness of this noteworthy cause.
The needs of brain injured Servicemembers and Veterans are long lasting, and the numbers of those diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury are increasing daily. AVBI operates with an all-volunteer staff and very limited funds, and would greatly appreciate any support you can offer our American Veterans with brain injuries and their families.
Feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who might be interested in a charitable event that benefits our military!
The needs of brain injured Servicemembers and Veterans are long lasting, and the numbers of those diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury are increasing daily. AVBI operates with an all-volunteer staff and very limited funds, and would greatly appreciate any support you can offer our American Veterans with brain injuries and their families.
Feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who might be interested in a charitable event that benefits our military!
For more information, contact me at sophie.hilaire@us.army.mil
