I Carry for Donna

This post is sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Carry Forward 5K, delivered by CSX.

I hope my job transitions to permanent work from home and I never have to go back to the work office- not because of the convenience of working remotely, but because my coworker Donna who passed away in May 2020 won’t be there anymore. Our office is comprised a small mighty team of five women, so one person being gone is very noticeable. Especially Donna because of her huge personality and awesome presence. Every morning she would strut in wearing an immaculate outfit and the cutest pair of heels. She always peeked her head into my office to say “Good Morning!” and see how I’m doing. Then I’d ask about her and there was a 90% chance she would tell me a story about one of her children, Molly or Sam who are her world. In remembrance of her, I am participating in the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Carry Forward 5K, delivered by CSX.

The WWP has a mission to honor and empower service members who have obtained a physical or mental injury while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. The programs they provided free of charge assist veterans with physical & mental health, financial wellness, independence, and connecting them with supportive communities.

I participated in the WWP Carry Forward 5K Jacksonville, FL race virtually in honor of Donna who was an Army Veteran. If you would like to join me in supporting this mission, click here to register and use the code ICARRY5 to save $5 on your registration. Want to still support but aren’t able to run? You can contribute to my fundraising page here.

Donna’s heart had no limits to how much it loved and served people. After surviving breast cancer she worked as an advocate for others living with chronic illnesses. She served as Vice President for Tigerlily Foundation, founded Kill The Beast LLC, pushed for legislation on Capitol Hill, worked as Director of Grassroots Advocacy at National Patient Advocate Foundation, and volunteered as the Virginia State Lead for the American Cancer Society. She would coach and hold the hands of so many patients as she empowered them to find the courage to tell their stories and advocate for themselves. After her passing, many of the volunteers she worked with shared with us how Donna helped them believe in their own capabilities and they don’t know how they would have found their power without her.

I Carry for Donna to illuminate the impact she had on our her community and the legacy she left for others to carry.

I’m asking you to join me in helping put the mission in motion. Take action for injured veterans. Give what you can. Every bit helps transform the way warriors are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities.

Thank you for supporting my way of honoring Donna and the lifesaving programs for wounded warriors and their families.