On October 11 2015 I will be running the Chicago Marathon to benefit Dare 2 Tri!  This is the story that has inspired me to do so.

Have you ever finished a race and wanted to experience just a little more perhaps help another athlete have that same finish line feeling at a new event?  For me that privilege began at the Naperville Turkey Trot 2014 when I became a fill in guide for James Gilliard  (vision impaired athlete) as his original guide became injured  2weeks prior to the event.  Shortly after that event James contacted me to see if I was available to guide for the Chicago shamrock shuffle in March 2015 and a future Triathlon. This is where we met Keri Serota (Co-founder of Dare 2 Tri) she was Director of Athletes with Disabilities division for Shamrock Shuffle.  While waiting for the race to start we inquired with Keri as to what was Dare 2 Tri? She proceeded to explain that they are a non-for profit organization that provides coaching,training,guiding for athletes with  disabilities only  such as , vision impaired,amputation,stroke,spinal cord injury,spina bfida, cerebal palsy,blindness . We were also made aware of the Dare 2 Tri mini tri camp that was to be held May 30^th weekend I knew this would be so beneficial for James to be able to attend! At  the end of camp everyone has the opportunity to experience a triathlon . This was such an amazing experience for James and myself,the staff from Dare 2 Tri are just beyond amazing with their skill, sense of caring and tremdous compation with the way they work with all the athletes. Once camping was coming to a close I reflect on what I just witnessed during that weekend as an able body athlete my heart will be forever moved and grateful to Dare 2 Tri for the opportunities they give to all their athletes.

Won’t you please consider making a donation to this amazing non-for profit organization so they can continue to change lives of so many athletes who may not otherwise have the opportunity to do so.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you all who may have the opportunity to help me in this journey!

Sincerely,

Terri Hayes

https://dare2tri.z2systems.com/np/clients/dare2tri/publicFundraiserList.jsp?campaignId=12&&test=true

Raising Funds and Awareness for Dare2tri - ONE SUPPORTS MANY

The Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club Race2Raise Team is comprised of athletes who want to make their race(s) more meaningful by supporting many! Athletes will raise funds and awareness for Dare2tri by competing in various triathlons or endurance races throughout the season.

Funds will directly go toward Dare2tri athletes and programs. Many individuals with disabilities have expensive medical bills, and adaptive sports equipment is not covered by insurance.  Dare2tri believes that by remaining active, athletes build confidence, autonomy, and self-worth in both sports and in other areas of life. Dare2tri empowers athletes to believe they can do anything they set their mind to. 

About Dare2tri: Launched in 2011, the club works with athletes of all ability levels from beginner to elite. Dare2tri serves youth, adults, and injured service members who have a physical disability such as amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and those with visual impairments and blindness. Dare2tri is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

To learn more about the program, visit the Race2Raise webpage.