Dear friends! 

I am not really a runner.  However, our relay team, led by the amazing Coach Sophie Goulding, have been working so hard over the past 7 months to prepare for this marathon. Our team is made up of five moms with 15 kids between us all :) We have trained in the early mornings, late evenings, with and without kids, in the heat and in the cold, and it was so much fun! I am so thankful for this team of amazing ladies! :) And... I would almost call myself a runner now, but I might be getting carried away :) Needless to say, regardless of my skill level, or lack thereof, I have been working super hard! :) 

We are so excited to run this marathon and support ESPWA and all of the amazing work they do in Haiti. We are honored to have friends, Chris Pfeiffer and Brady Cillo, who tirelessly volunteer their time in this organization to provide HOPE to our Haitian friends. We are a relay team made up of moms, and our kids are blessed to grow up with food, necessary health care, knowledge of the gospel, and wonderful educational opportunities. Our hope is with the money we raise from our marathon, these same necessities can be provided for the children our fellow moms in Haiti. Us moms, we gotta stick together! :) Thank you so much for considering supporting us!! :) 

Every year, the Pittsburgh Marathon draws over 25,000 runners and the city comes alive with excitement and activity.  The Espwa Foundation is proud to field another round of relay teams this year. This is our sixth year participating as an organization, and this event has grown into one of our largest fundraisers. That's particularly exciting for us, because the more funds we raise each year, the more lives we can impact in Haiti.  We can't do this without our network of amazing supporters! 

The Espwa Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to impacting those in poverty in the Cap Haitien, Haiti region.  "Espwa" is the Haitian Creole word for "hope."  We believe it's all about relationships and that through long-term development, we can truly help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  We don't just throw money at problems, or give handouts when they are not the appropriate type of intervention.  We assess situations, get to know those involved, and come up with strategies to achieve personal and professional growth.  In our project portfolio, we engage in medical relief by partnering with local physicians, and undertake development efforts across the spectrum: family support, clean water, farming, small business, pastoral support, and more.  Join our movement of hope in Haiti today!