$15,800

Most of you know that I've been working for Reach Out and Read for more than six years.  Reach Out and Read is more than a job; it's an organization that I believe in.  Every day, the doctors we partner with touch the lives of millions of children across the U.S.  As I talk to doctors and nurses here in North Carolina about their experiences, I hear stories about children who have never seen a book before coming to the doctor's office; children whose parents struggle to feed and clothe them, let alone send them to day care; children with an eagerness and excitement about learning, whose families just don’t have the resources to help them grow and thrive.  Sadly, the story is the same, whether it's here in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Georgia, or anywhere else.

I'm not naive enough to think that Reach Out and Read can save the world.  But I know, from my personal experiences, from the experiences of our doctors and families, and the body of scientific evidence backing our program that Reach Out and Read works.  The books and advice we give to families makes a real difference.  The children we serve get to kindergarten ready to learn, with larger vocabularies.  The parents we serve are more likely to share books with their children because our doctors tell them that reading is important to  the development of their children.  Reach Out and Read isn't just about giving out books -- it's about building stronger families.  

Most of you also probably know that I only run if I'm being chased by a large, scary animal.  So the fact that I'm running for a cause I believe in should be an indication of my dedication (if not fortitude).  Please consider supporting me and Reach Out and Read -- any donation makes an impact.  

Thank you for your help and support!