THANK YOU!!! - $6,910 Raised to Help Children in Zimbabwe & Zambia!!

Dear Friends,

I am writing to provide you with a final update on my fundraising adventure! I had sent an original goal of $7,000, and came very close to reaching that goal with $6,910!! This is amazing and could not have been done without your help. A special thank you to the anonymous donor who matched all donations up to $3,500, and to all of you who donated who made it possible for the match to happen! As I said in my previous post, I was unable to run the race because Ryan and I are expecting our first child in June, but I look forward to getting back into shape next Fall, and hopefully getting back into some long distance running!

Ryan is actually in Zimbabwe right now. Today he visited an old friend, Peterson. Ryan met Peterson on his first trip to Africa several years ago, and Peterson's story is much of the inspiration for the start of Forgotten Voices. He was 9 years old at the time and HIV positive. Shortly after Ryan met him, both his mother and four-year-old sister died due to AIDS related illnesses. Peterson was left to live on his own at his young age. The local church, with support from Forgotten Voices, was able to help with school fees and home-based support, as well as some medical support over the past few years. It is with such joy that Ryan was able to visit him today, so many years later... I will have to check with Ryan, but Peterson is probably 13 years old now... and had the church not intervened, we don't know what the outcome of Peterson's life may have been.

If you have not had a chance to see this new video about Neatness, please take the time to watch it. This young girl living in the rural areas of Zimbabwe allowed Ryan and a few friends to follow her life for three days, filming her and interviewing her. It is a touching story of tragedy and hope... and remember that it is never too late to donate to Forgotten Voices... the need is great and your support is needed and greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to watch the video!!