We wanted to share the special stories, meanings and motivations behind some of the medals we recycle and some of the organizations we support!
An Athlete’s Legacy of Giving Continues On
On March 14, 2020 we donated $400.00 to FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered to complete the fundraising requirement for one of our athlete’s charity race bib for the Run Disney Star Wars 5K in April 2020.
While we know there are hundreds of road race cancellations happening right now because of coronavirus, and there is no guarantee this event will still take place, we feel that the charities with fundraising bibs should not suffer for circumstances that are clearly out of their control. Whether or not the race happens, we are honored and humbled to make this donation in the name of a very special person.
In January 2020, we received a box of medals from an athlete named Maureen Bowen. Maureen was an ovarian and breast cancer survivor. She was an avid athlete, having completed over 100 half marathons, multiple marathons and ultramarathons.
When we received the box, we did not know that Maureen’s cancer treatments were no longer working, and she was in home hospice care. She had friends who were serving as her caretakers pack these up and ship them to us as a part of making her final arrangements.
Maureen passed away on February 29, 2020.
We chose to register our athlete for a charity fundraising bib for FORCE as as their mission is to “improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers.” We picked a Run Disney event because Maureen loved Disney races, and these events were part of what got her hooked into endurance sports. We found out Maureen had regularly fundraised for cancer related charities, especially ovarian cancer.
This donation was made from recycling her medals along with medals received from other individuals, athletes and race directors from January through March 2020. Thank you for your support.