Mom fulfills dream while supporting her son
March 21, 2019 by Let Me Run National
This November Let Me Run supporter, mother, and 4-time marathoner, Gretchen Ardizzone, will take on her first ever TCS New York City Marathon as a LMR charity runner. “It has been a dream of mine for years to run the NYC marathon. I’m one of those people who will get up on Sunday morning and watch it on tv from beginning to end like it’s the Super Bowl,” she says.
Gretchen discovered her love of running after her father experienced a massive heart attack 10 years ago. Since then, her eyes have been opened to the importance of living a healthier lifestyle and that “running is a gift that should never be taken for granted.” Her personal life motto, “training for the marathon of life,” has allowed her to remember that life is filled with struggles and challenges, but you have to just keep moving forward to overcome them.
Gretchen found out about the Let Me Run program from a friend and LMR coach. He spoke with her about the impact the program made not only on his sons but also the other boys involved.
“As a mother, I watched my son experience many of the ‘traditional’ societal expectations in his younger years. He was supposed to be outgoing, play sports, be social, etc. I had been blessed with the most amazing child, but society wanted to define him. I only wish Let Me Run could’ve been a part of his life during that pivotal time,” she expressed. Gretchen hopes that by being a charity runner she will be able to help increase awareness for the program so other parents know that this program exists to support their sons.
Along with her goal of crossing the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon finish line on November 3rd, Gretchen also hopes to raise $4,000 for Let Me Run. “Reaching my fundraising goal will be the most gratifying feeling knowing that I made a difference. I will have not only raised funds to support LMR, but I will have hopefully educated a whole new audience about the organization and its benefits,” she explains. You can help Gretchen reach her fundraising goal by donating on her Crowdrise page today!