Japan Fundraising Page

Family and Friends,

The Tokyo Marathon is in March 2024 and I have the opportunity to join this event through one of my favorite non-profit organizations, Room to Read. I've decided to lace up my marathon shoes after a 20+ year hiatus for two reasons:

1) Room to Read is an organization where I"ve volunteered for 5+ years and I believe in their mission -- that world change starts with educated children. By focusing on literacy and gender equality in education, Room to Read transforms the lives of millions of children in low-income communities. It will be an honor to race on their charity team.

2) I would like to honor one of my dearest friends, Christy Ballantyne Doxsee, who passed away last year. I can think of no better way than to run a marathon for her. We became friends by running together on our college track team. Eventually, we were co-captains, and continued running in Boston after graduation and beyond.  She was an elementary school teacher and, like Room to Read, believed in the capabilities of all children. As I run, I'll be thinking of her and drawing on her fierce will and spirit to cross the finish line.

Thank you for your support,

Heather

(For United States dollar contribution, go here)