Carlo "I realize how fortunate I am. I have a nine-year-old among my three children, which is what led me to meet Jim Raffone, to begin with. My son and I attended one of Jim’s push-up challenges at a local gym and I listened to his entire story about what he was going through trying to save his son’s life. I knew I had to help him.
Armed with newfound awareness for JAR of Hope, I began running less than four years ago and have since completed several lengthy races including the World’s Toughest Mudder raising $10,000 with the help of my teammates. Now, whenever I run, it is for JAR of Hope. Last September, I ran the Grand-to-Grand Ultra for the first time. I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish the grueling course, but with the support of my family, teammates, and Jim pushing me, I completed it.
My family is blessed because there are so many kids out there who, for whatever reason, can’t run. As I was going through the desert, I was thinking about Jamesy the entire time. The thought of him stayed with me and I imagined him waiting for us at the finish line. That kept me pushing through the entire course. It was such an amazing experience and such a great reason to run. If it wasn’t for JAR of Hope, I wouldn’t be out there in the first place, much less doing it again. I look forward to seeing what we accomplish this year."