how a run in dublin changed my life

By Bill Whittaker, Team SeriousFun participant

This year I accomplished two things I never thought I would. I actually ran a half marathon overseas in Dublin, Ireland and on top of that raised more than $12,000 for SeriousFun Children’s Network!

As the owner of a small skateboard and snowboard shop in Massachusetts, I had been looking for a way to get my business involved in charitable giving. SeriousFun was the perfect fit since 90% of my clientele are kids under the age of 14. I’m from a town where everyone supports one another, and I was lucky to receive generous donations from my local vendors, as well as family and friends. Even though training and fundraising required a commitment, I had the motivation and drive to succeed knowing that I would help send children living with serious illness to camp.

I especially loved meeting Barretstown camper Louise and her family the night before the race. I learned that Louise was living with leukemia but she was like every other 8-year old child I’ve met, with an endless smile and a playful spirit. Getting to know her and her family helped me see that my efforts would have a real impact. Louise and other kids around the world would get to experience the magic of camp. I felt grateful, inspired and proud that I was there. And with Louise to cheer me on, nothing could stop me from completing the race.

I was not a runner before I began this journey, but Team SeriousFun supported me with everything I needed in order to achieve this goal: all-star coaching, friendly and supportive staff, weekly webinars, and a personalized training schedule that was easy to follow – even for someone who was a beginner. I finished the race in two hours flat – not bad for someone who couldn’t run a mile four months ago!

This experience has completely changed my life for the better. I can’t wait to run another race so that more kids - just like Louise - can have a little SeriousFun at camp.