I ran my first half-marathon on September 1, 2019. It's so hard to describe the emotions I felt when I crossed that finish line.
I had a car accident at the beginning of 2019 and I was very fortunate to come out of it with no major injuries. However, my health deteriorated and I found out it stemmed from the car accident as well as stress from my previous job. As my health improved, I found myself wanting to become stronger. Not just physically, but mentally. I decided to challenge myself by running just one half-marathon. But after I ran my first half in Virginia Beach, I didn't want to stop there. I ended up running a total of 3 half marathons in a span of 3 months. Running became something I enjoy and also became a reminder of my health.
I chose Team Save the Children because it's an organization I've followed since my early college years and an organization that stood out to me when my mom's hometown was in a time of need. In 2013, super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded. It made landfall in my mom's hometown, Tacloban, and devastated the city and the entire Leyte-Samar region. My family made it through the storm, but others were not so fortunate. My family there were part of the efforts to rebuild and revive the city. Reading and watching the news online how organizations, such as Save the Children, provided aid and donations to support some of the efforts really touched me. Tacloban has come a far way since the typhoon and I'm proud of my family, Taclobanons, and international organizations who stayed to help the city and its people.
Thank you for visiting my page! Any donation amount is appreciated. I'm always grateful to my family, friends, and coworkers who continue to support me in my running endeavors. I hope you can share my story with others and support an international organization that makes a positive impact!
TCS New York City Marathon 2020