“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” - Audrey Hepburn

With your help, I hope to raise AT LEAST 30 donations for Sidelined USA for my 30th birthday. This 30 for 30: Pay it Forward fundraiser is in honor of all sidelined athletes affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Sidelined USA is a non-profit organization that helps athletes who have been permanently sidelined find a meaningful way forward. This program offers resources, connections, and new pursuits while raising awareness for these athletes who may be struggling. Today, athletes around the country have been sidelined due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now more than ever we have seen discussions surrounding mental health and where to find resources. Sidelined USA is the best resource for these athletes.

In my thirty years of life, there were a lot of plans that changed, priorities that adjusted, and lessons learned. Through the winding roads and mountains climbed, I've found balance and purpose. I've reflected on how quickly time has passed and how much has happened. I've reflected on people and things that are most meaningful to me. I've reflected on each stage of my life that I can easily define and how each experience has shaped my perspective today. One stage in my life that was particularly formative was when I became a sidelined athlete. I would not be the person I am today without that experience and the good and bad moments that followed. By the time Sidelined USA came to fruition, I had already navigated through the ups and downs of being a sidelined athlete on my own. I became a coach which allowed me to still be a part of the sport that I loved so much and gave a new meaning to being on the sideline. I wish there had been an organization like Sidelined USA when I became a sidelined athlete. I would have understood why I was struggling so much at the time instead of questioning why it was so difficult and not knowing what to do about it. As I began to work with Sidelined USA, learned about the research being conducted, and the programs being offered, I soon realized that my experiences were not uncommon. I then made the decision to use my experiences to help other athletes and be a part of the solution. This organization means so much to me and I couldn't think of anything I would love more than to help Sidelined and its cause. Sidelined USA has given athletes the tools they need to rebuild their identity and channel all of the things they've learned through sport into something new. 

Everything in life can come full circle if we let it. Any struggles we face can give us the tools to become stronger and help others who may be going through something similar. Each bump in the road provides us a more "meaningful way forward" and a grander perspective. We need curveballs in life. Without them, it would be pretty boring and we wouldn't discover our capability of becoming something more than who we think we are. 

I cannot thank you enough for reading my story and for learning about Sidelined USA. I hope you join me in spreading awareness and paying it forward. It is all I could ever ask for on my 30th birthday.

With love, Jackie