Yesterday it was FREEZING here in the Northeast. Like literally freezing. While the snow (yes, snow) was falling, I was curled up in my warm house glued to my iPhone where I had downloaded an app to track runners in the 2014 NYC Marathon. One of my dearest friends, Taryn, was braving the elements, racing for a cause that she has been raising money for, along with her sister, for the last 6 months.
Through the incredible wind in NYC and cold temps, Taryn raced across the finish line at 3 hours and 10 minutes. FOR A MARATHON. WITH 50 mph WINDS.
Let me tell you a little bit about my friend Taryn. We met at UNH back in the day. I had the joy of being able to get to know her while running on the UNH Cross Country team. She was (and still is) incredible. Taryn would run 10 steps ahead of you while having a full conversation with you at the same time. You would finish your run and realize that you ran minutes faster than your target pace and you could barely catch your breath. So, as I sat there watching my phone waiting for the next update I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about all of those runners on that course that were about to experience Taryn’s first marathon. 
The other side of my friend is that of one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. Taryn would do anything for anyone. I know, I know, people say that all the time. But I couldn’t mean it more. She is one amazing mom, wife, woman, and you could only be so lucky to be a part of her life. She (and now her sons) have me laughing in stitches over FB posts and when we do get to see them, man o man, it is nothing but an extra special good time and hurt stomach muscles for the next week.
So of course, when Taryn said that she was running the New York City Marathon for Every Mother Counts, it didn’t surprise me one bit. In fact, it made me feel so proud. Because if there is anyone that an organization wants representing them, it is her. The essence of Taryn is exactly what this world needs more of.
Did you know that in the U.S. alone, 2 women die every day due to complications in childbirth? And across the world, 287,000 women die every year. 98% of these deaths are preventable.
For many of these women, transporation is a barrier. Living too far from the nearest healthcare facility or having impassable roads makes it hard to get there when needed. There are solutions. Vouchers can be provided, healthcare workers can be brought to rural communities, etc.
Skilled attendance at births is considered the single most critical intervention for ensuring safe motherhood. Prenatal care is another important factor. Those who do not receive it are 3-4 times more likely to die during childbirth. The solution – Education.
Basic medicines, running water, electricity, communications, or lack there of is cause for a massive amount of deaths to mothers. Access to solar power, supplies, and creation of mobile communication towers are all solutions.
Every Mother Counts strives to provide these solutions. With the thought that every little bit helps, these solutions aren’t expensive. But the price we pay when they aren’t available most definitely is.
- $5 Gives a woman in Uganda a ride to a healthcare facility for prenatal care or delivery.
- $50 Allows an uninsured woman in the U.S. to have a prenatal visit.
- $25 buys a Mama Kit filled with supplies to help a mother deliver safely.
100% of your donation to Every Mother Counts will go to a portfolio of programs around the world to ensure that mothers get the care they need.
So, start with $5 – provide that transportation. Or purchase a medical kit. But do something because our help is needed. Donate to Taryn’s cause.
Follow the Motivation Monday Hosts
Barb of A Life in Balance
Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter
Mitzi of Written Reality
Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter
Lauryn of The Vintage Mom
Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter
Katie of Mom Favorites
Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter
Marie of Normal Everyday Life
Facebook | G+ | Instagram | Twitter
Toni of Tickles and Time Outs
Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter
Features
Crazy for Quinoa Spicy Quinoa Kale and Kimchi Bowl | Urban Naturale
Thankgiving Turkey Pretzels | Frugal Coupon Living
Ways to Use Leftover Pumpkin Puree | Homecooking Memories
Spiced Pumpkin Banana Fritters | The Domestic Life Stylist
Homemade Ginger Ale | Giraffes Can Bake
Grocery List Free Printable | My Own Home Blog
Choices, Chances, Changes | Say it Rahshay
Worst Advice We’ve Ever Heard About Parenting | A Grande Life
How to Start Living a Simple Life | Our Simple Life
Teaching Table Manners | The Palette Muse
Fall Leaves From the Mountains | Simply Suzannes
Thankful ABC Tree Thanksgiving Craft | Christianity Cove
WOW! So much of a marathon requires mental strength that I know I just don’t have! I truly admire people like your friend, Taryn, who not only possesses the athleticism and mental fortitude to power through 26.2 but also who gives back to great organizations as part of her run. Kudos to Taryn for supporting Every Mother Counts through her marathon! May her next race have far better conditions than yesterday’s in NYC!
Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama recently posted…Play Nintendo: The Parent & Kid Go-to-Source for All Things Nintendo (w. giveaway)
I agree Leticia. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment knowing that you raised that much money for such a worthwhile cause!
Congrats to your friend. What an amazing time- and the weather was terrible! It’s always so nice to connect a race with a true cause. Please tell her thank you for doing this.
Lori Popkewitz Alper recently posted…Mom Detective on the Soccer Field: Is Artificial Turf Toxic?
WOW- I’m really impressed. It was an awful day to race and you really did amazing!!!
Thanks for doing this for such an incredible cause – I love Every Mother Counts!
Melissa {All Things Chic} recently posted…Give the Gift of a Grand Adventure at Disney
Anyone who can run a marathon is an amazing athlete. Running it in that weather yesterday is hard to imagine. Thanks for sharing about the organization, I had never heard of them before.
Emily recently posted…Monday Meal Plan Nov wk 1
Taryn sounds like an amazing woman with such a big heart! I wouldn’t even think of running that long in perfect conditions and here she is running and raising money!
I had no idea that Every Mother Counts existed. There is definitely a need for helping moms out and this sounds like a great way to help them.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted…Three out of four | Mommy and Me Monday | 246th ed
Congratulations to Taryn! Amazing that she did it and for such a worthy cause. And Lauryn, long distance runner?? I thought so. I’m not so sure about that turkey trot. And yes, I MUST run alone.
Annie {Stowed Stuff} recently posted…Top Thanksgiving Picture Books for Kids
LOL! Too bad. I need a running buddy. Tag, you’re it.
A marathon is a huge accomplishment in any weather – but this weekend was particularly rough. Congrats to your friend. How wonderful for her to raise funds and awareness for Every Mother Counts. I hadn’t heard of that organization before.
Jodi @ Mom’s Favorite Stuff recently posted…Watching Our Wedding Video 14 Years Later
Congrats to your friend – not only is she taking on a great challenge but she is doing it for a terrific cause. Kudos! The longest race I have ever done is 10 km, so I am always blown away by long distance runners!
Kimberly recently posted…#NaBloPoMo
I admire people who have the self discipline to train for and run a marathon. I’m a distance walker and that’s more than enough ambition for me. Good for her!
Melanie recently posted…Meatloaf, A Review
What an inspiration to run! Every Mother Counts is such an incredible organization that your friend has courageously supported! How awesome!
Caroline Murphy recently posted…Grilling Omaha Steaks with the Family
Agreed. Thanks Caroline!
Love this! I’m a fellow runner (though only half marathons and less), and have always been a great supporter of Every Mother Counts. Taryn sounds like an amazing woman — love that she’s doing this to help mothers around the world.
Pilar recently posted…10 delicious things you can make with leftover Halloween candy.
I’m with you Pilar! I’ve done one marathon – years ago and that was enough for me. I stick to 13 or less now:) And EMC is an amazing organization!