For many folks, the running season is never ending, depending on where you are located. With its members scattered halfway across the United States, members of "Team For Those Who Can't" begin their marathon training at different times. For many, they have been running all year long, others are just beginning to conquer races in the lead up to when their actual marathon training schedule begins.
You see, the team is made up of veterans, civilians and a rank newbie. Several members have previously run the Marine Corps Marathon. One will be running their first ever marathon. What brings them all together you might ask?
I would answer that question this way. They are all CRAZY!!!!!
Every member of "Team For Those Who Can't" has agreed that they will run and fundraise for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. They are committed to raising funds for this charity. It is the only way you may be a member of "Team For Those Who Can't."
One thing you might notice when visiting their home page is that you will be able to see the individual pages of the team members by clicking a link at the top of the page. Don't expect to find them all personalized. Some of the members prefer to remain quietly in the background and direct all their donations to the team page. That doesn't mean they are not actively training and seeking donations.
For one member, this will be their 5th consecutive year running the Marine Corps Marathon. When they cross that finish line for the 5th time, they will have earned a guaranteed spot in all future Marine Corps Marathons. Last year another team member developed an injury that threatened to keep them out of the marathon in 2011. For several members, this year will be their second time running the Marine Corps Marathon. Each team member that crosses the finish line will earn the coveted Marine Corps Marathon finishers medal, but more importantly will know that they have helped our wounded warriors!
I am sure you have questions about just how great the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF) really is. Don't take my word for it, I admit to being biased! Check out their home page here, a press release here and their rating by "Charity Navigator Rating" here.
The more informed you are about this charity, the more willing I hope you will be to donate to a great cause.....that of supporting our wounded warriors! They joined the service knowing that they might be killed or badly wounded and many have re-upped after having served multiple tours in war zones.
Faced with life altering injuries, these men and women looked within, gathered their strength and courage then they focused on moving forward. Thanks to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (read their stories here), this is a bit easier. The IMSFF has resources to help the wounded and their families, as well as helping with mobility issues (cars, vans, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs), financial concerns, and even travel expenses. Another important area is getting these men and women up and active in sports again. Sports ranging from basketball, volleyball, downhill skiing, fishing, golfing, surfing and scuba diving to name a few. You will see them competing from a wheelchair, using a hand cycle, running with prosthetic limbs and more. Every year, many of them participate in the Marine Corps Marathon. In 2011, over 80 members of Team Semper Fi participated in the Marathon and let me tell you, they are truly an inspiration on the course! You will literally be amazed at what they are doing.
"Team For Those Who Can't" has their site up and ready to go! In fact, one person has already donated early on. Thanks Dominic for giving us a great start!!
I hope you will consider making a donation. You can donate to an individual or to the team. The total donations to date will show up on the team page.
This team is the inspiration of Jonathan. You too might find a reason to be inspired after reading this. Jon will be the first to tell you "it isn't about me" and he means it!
Every member of "Team For Those Who Can't" will train hard, run hard and do their best to cross that finish line on October 28th in D.C. Supporting their efforts to help others by making a donation will not go unnoticed. They appreciate every dollar donated. There is no such thing as "too small" of a donation. If you can only afford $5 they will be grateful that you cared enough to donate.
Please help "Team For Those Who Can't" reach their goal. If you wish to mail in a donation then leave a comment at the end of the article and we will get you a copy of the donation form that you will need to use.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you will pass the link on to others. The more people who read about "Team For Those Who Can't" the greater the chances are that they will make or even exceed their fundraising goal for 2012.
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