In June of this past year I competed in my first marathon and took on the santa cruz mountains for a grueling 26.2. I used this race as a platform for a 3 part, year-long fundraising initiative that would help support me in my year abroad working as an unpaid volunteer intern for Grassroot Soccer in Zambia. The physical and mental challenges of 26.2 are quite profound, however, they lack in complexity when compared to the physical and mental challenges youth are facing in Sub-Sahara Africa today. What is the challenge in Africa? HIV/AIDS. On November 2nd, I will take on leg 2 of my year long initiative by joining #TeamGRS in the Nike Soweto Half Marathon in Johannesburg, South Africa. GRS is raising money to help provide youth with HIV and AIDS education, testing and treatment through a powerful sport for development approach in the 42 countries that we operate in. Help EDUCATE and SAVE lives by contributing to my fundraising campaign. My goal is to raise $50 for every mile. Help me reach my goal of $655 for the Soweto Half. Your support will allow me to continue my work providing youth with the tools they need to live happy and healthy lives here in Zambia. Part 3 of this initiative will commence on June 28th, 2015 when I take part in the Victoria Falls Full Marathon for another 26.2. There are two ways to make a contribution to this event. Visit my campaign site directly and click here or donate through GRS by clicking here. If you choose to donate via the second option, be sure to fill in two important fields; 1. Under Donation Type, Check "Tribute- In Honor Of" and type in "Jessica Byron" and 2. In the Comments box, write "2014 Soweto Marathon"
Zikomo, my friends.