2022 ASA Wingman Program

Welcome to my page! 

If you're reading this it's because you were directed here from the social medias of myself or someone close to me (shoutout to you, mom!). First of all, THANK YOU for taking the time to check out my page. Even just clicking the link that brought you here helps to raise awareness for this amazing program.  Second, please consider making a donation if you can spare it. Every dollar helps to support our athletes in some way:

$25 = 5k race registration for an athlete

$50 = Longer distance race registration for an athlete

$100 = A set of replacement parts for an adaptive jogger

$500 = Covers race entry fees of SEVEN WingMan teams for a 5k

$1000 = A brand NEW adaptive race jogger for an athlete

Short story: I run every day because I love running. I chose to be an ASA WingMan because I have the ability to run and there are so many that need a little bit of help to cross that finish line.

Long story: You already know I'm a runner and I've been putting my feet and joints through the grind for over two decades at this point. Back in 2018 I ran my first marathon, albeit slowly. I hurt so badly when I finished that I figured I was a "one and done" like most. In just a few short weeks though, I realized that I couldn't remember the pain; all I could remember was the incredible feeling of crossing that finish line - a finish line that many will never have the opportunity to cross without a little help. Fast forward to 2021 and three marathons in the books for me, I discovered ASA while running Baltimore. As I approached the first WingMan team to pass, my interest was immediately piqued. I read the back of their shirts that said "WingMan", and as I got closer to the jogger, I looked to my right and saw that the jogger had a name and a person - a person that was being pushed for 26.2 miles, so that they too, could say they completed a marathon. My heart immediately exploded and with each subsequent WingMan team and respective athlete that I passed, my eyes welled up and my heart filled more and more. I cheered on each athlete as I passed them and their team and to my surprise one of the WingMen turned to me and said, "we need volunteers if you're interested!". Fast forward a few hours later as I was laid up in bed aching from completion of a great race, unable to nap, I googled "maryland people that push joggers in races". A dated article was the first hit, but as soon as I clicked it and recognized the shirts that I saw earlier that day, I knew I found the right place. Even though there was only a month and a half left for the 2021 season, I didn't hesitate to sign up and raise what I could to close the season out. I was able to participate in two 5k races, two city group runs, and raise over $400! Though my time with ASA was short in 2021, I couldn't wait to sign up for 2022. So here I am; committed to an organization that gives hope and opportunity to those that just need a little help. Our athletes range from all sizes, ages, and disabilities, but at the end of the day they all want the same thing: to feel that feeling of completing a race; to feel that feeling that I felt when the pain had passed and all I could remember was how great it was to accomplish something that at one point didn't seem possible. 

So please, help support this amazing organization. Consider donating and making a difference in the lives of our athletes. No matter how big or small, everything helps. I am proud to be a WingMan and through your generosity, #togetherwefinish.