Hi Friends and Family!!

It’s me, running a marathon again! But not just any marathon… THE Boston Marathon! This has been a dream of mine since I started running races in 2006. When I first started, I ran for the AIDS Foundation in Chicago. Knowing that every mile I ran and every dollar I raised was going to directly impact the lives of others made the grueling training and the tough race so fulfilling. When I had a mental block, it was those people who kept me going!

Since then, I’ve run London, New York, and now Boston, all of which have been through charitable organizations AND running in memory of a dear friend's niece, Samantha Jane McCarthy. Samantha passed away at the age of 11 after complications from a bone marrow transplant to treat a rare genetic blood disease called Fanconi Anemia. Sam’s symbol is a ladybug, and I had one on all of my jerseys as a reminder that she was with me every step of the way. This year I'm going one "step" further and not just running in Sam's memory but raising awareness and funds along the way for a very special cause. This year I am running for Sam's Fans!

Samantha’s amazing mother, Nikki, founded Sam's Fans, whose mission is to support and enhance Music and Art therapy programs that serve seriously ill children and their families. Since its start in 2015, Sam's Fans now has a presence in each of the seven Ohio Children's Hospitals and one in Florida. They also donate thousands of music and art supplies to their partners around the state. Music and Art therapy brought Sam a lot of joy and comfort during her time in and out of the hospital, and now they share that with thousands of other families, building a lasting legacy in her memory.

Every year, Nikki puts on a 5k race for Sam, in addition to other events in Columbus, Ohio. Knowing her love for running, the cause she fights for daily in memory of Sam, and the many opportunities she’s been able to provide for so many other families inspired me to run Boston and do it for Sam and all the families that benefit from her work.

My goal is to raise $2,000 for Sam’s Fans! The money raised will directly benefit the kids and families they serve. Your love, support, and consideration to support me and this cause would mean the world! Every dollar will help bring another child joy and an opportunity to forget the pain for a while as they fight to get better.

I encourage you to watch the clip below when Nikki and Sam's Fans was featured on the Today Show in 2017. The piece is a few years old but perfectly shares Sam’s story and the work of the Foundation. Be sure to have tissues on hand. It’s an amazing story!

Boston is on April 17th! Let’s do this Team!!!!

All of my love and gratitude,

Audrey

Audrey and Sam Run Boston

By Sam's Fans

Audrey and Sam Run Boston

Audrey and Sam Run the Boston Marathon!