Before you read the background information on Anchor Run for the Blind, I feel it is important to share my passion for these joined forces. To do so, I will be sharing the essay I wrote, which has provided me the opportunity to run alongside Lt. Brad Snyder in the California International Marathon on December 8, 2013 (59 days)!! As you will be reading something personal to me, please be kind in any comments. Happy reading, and please spread the word. We must support these selfless individuals who continue to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy! I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to Delta Gamma Fraternity, USABA, and Lt. Brad Snyder for this amazing experience. Here goes...
I cannot think of something more perfect for me to be a part of than running alongside Lieutenant Brad Snyder in the California International Marathon. Being Lt. Snyder’s guide runner would give me the opportunity to combine three things I am extremely passionate about: running, giving back to those who dedicated their lives for our freedom, and upholding the values of Delta Gamma’s philanthropy of Service for Sight. The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes would be hard-pressed to find someone more appreciative of this amazing opportunity.
Although I have always tried to be aware of the many different causes and obstacles people face, I first began my philanthropic work with Service for Sight when I joined Delta Gamma Fraternity in 1998. It was through participating in events such as Dining in the Dark where I really learned about the initial challenges raised by being visually impaired. Learning how to find food on the plate; making sure my beverage was not too hot or overflowing; and trying to cut food and not my fingers were all things I had taken for granted prior to my introduction to the visually impaired community. But once I experienced that, even for a night, I began to think about other activities that may be even more challenging if I could not see. One of the first things that came to mind was physical exercise. How do visually impaired persons get physical exercise?
After graduating, I became more involved with Delta Gamma and began working with a local organization dedicated to teaching visually impaired residents how to live on their own. It was there that I first discussed the possibility of starting a running club for the local children who attended the center. Having just trained for and run my first marathon for my 30th birthday, I fell in love with running. Although I initially started running to raise money for cancer awareness in support of my father, I soon realized the healthy benefits of running and experienced that “runner’s high.” I knew that while the children may initially be afraid of falling during a run, I would help guide them so that they too could fly through the wind.
Unfortunately, it was during this time that I took a different job and worked in a different county. I was not able to get the running group started, but I think about it all the time. When I see other guide runners and their partners, I know it is something I must do. Although everyone has their own challenges and physical limitations, anything is possible. People like Lieutenant Snyder and our other wounded warriors remind us every single day to keep moving forward. We are only bound by the limitations we place on ourselves.
Since I began running in 2009, I have run four complete marathons; participated in Ragnar Relay and two Tough Mudder competitions; and numerous other runs ranging from half-marathons to 5Ks. I am training for my fifth marathon in November and my first 50-miler in May (perhaps Lt. Snyder could join me as one of MY pacers that day)! Currently, I am between a 25:00 min and 26:00 min 5K but have been doing more speedwork in anticipation of my marathon. I enjoy the long distances and the camaraderie that comes with a sport that many view as individualistic. I would gladly and most enthusiastically accept the honor of running alongside Lt. Brad Snyder in December. I hope he doesn’t mind the gift of the gab I received…even while running 6.55 miles!
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to represent Delta Gamma Fraternity and the United States Association of Blind Athletes. I look forward to meeting you in December!
The Delta Gamma Fraternity and Delta Gamma Foundation are proud to offer a new opportunity through Service for Sight: Joining Forces. Our program called “Anchor Run for the Blind” will allow women to use their love of running to “Do Good.”
The program will benefit both the Delta Gamma Foundation and the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA). Joining Forces spokesman Lt. Brad Snyder worked closely with the USABA in order to qualify for the 2012 London U.S. Paralympics swim team, bringing home the gold! Delta Gamma is proud to work with USABA on this project.
Thank you for deciding to support Delta Gamma and USABA with your gift. If you are not a runner and simply wish to support this effort, click the button to the right that says "Donate to the Cause." If you are a runner and wish to set up your personal fundraising page, click the button that says "Take Part."
For more information on the Anchor Run program and how you can become a guide runner for a blind athlete, visit our website or email anchorrun@deltagamma.org.