How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

Anne Frank

Why am I running a marathon? This is the question I keep getting asked.

I know I want to prove to myself that I can do it, but I also want to run to raise money for Peter and Paul Community Services.

I first heard of Peter and Paul while I was in high school, but it wasn’t until 2 years after high school that I finally went to volunteer. It was early December of 2002; I drove down nervously to the Emergency Shelter. I handed out bed linens to all the gentlemen and then served a hot dinner. After dinner I was able to sit, talk and visit with the men. I left around 9 p.m. and felt wonderful; I felt like I really did something. It wasn’t until the next day that I really realized the experience had changed my life forever.

I woke up early for work the next morning. It was freezing outside. I was bundled in my coat as I ran to my car to start it up. I waited inside my warm house until the car heated up. I watched people all day run from their cars, shivering as they walked in, getting a coffee and hesitating before they had to go back out into the ice cold air. Then it hit me. I have it so easy. I realized that the men I had met the night before were out in the cold all day.

Since that day my main cause has been to help the homeless. On the coldest days and the hottest days I think of the person sitting on the street trying to figure out how to get their life back, feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where or how to start. Peter and Paul Community Services helps people get their lives back.

I am running the St. Louis full marathon on April 19th to raise money for Peter and Paul Community Services. I have a goal of $5,000.00; this money will go towards supplies for the Emergency Shelter, the Transitional Housing Program and the Meals Program. Whether it’s providing an evening meal to over 200 men, women and children or assisting residents in setting goals, learning living skills, establishing a regular income and savings plan, PPCS is dedicated to helping those who are homeless to become independent.

Why am I running this marathon? I am running this marathon because I have a warm place to sleep every night. I believe everyone deserves a second chance. I believe in Peter and Paul Community Services. It is an agency that changes lives everyday and I want to be a part of that. I want to raise awareness about Homelessness in St. Louis and help end it for as many people as possible.

If you would like to learn how you can support me in this effort and make a donation toward my fundraising goal of $5,000 you can click on the MAKE A DONATION BUTTON at the top of this page. That will direct you to a secure PayPal site. Be sure to indicate that you want your donation to be included in the 26mileshome fundraiser for PPCS. You can also email me at 26mileshome@gmail.com. Thank you for your time and consideration. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you Becky

for

your hard work

&

dedication!!