Medals of Courage 2014
In 2012 our athletic community came together to help us collect hundreds of running and triathlon medals to donate to patients at the Loma Linda Children's Hospital. The medals were presented to the children by none other than Olympic Medalist Meb Keflezighi. This year they're collected medals for two more children's hospitals, and I hope that we can send them even more medals. Our friends at JackRabbit Sports (with four locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn) as well as Brickwell Cycling and Multisports (with three locations on Long Island) have been generous enough to help out by accepting medals at each of their four locations. Once we collect them, I'll ship them to Medals of Courage for distribution to the kids. So if you have any medals that you're not too attached to, please consider contributing. Our deadline for collecting is February 28.
Below is a note from Candace Ransom, who founded the organization as a tribute to her late son.
Dear Runners,
You have the opportunity to light up the spirits and the hearts of children fighting life threatening illnesses in hospitals, with one of your race medals we call a Medal of Courage. The message we share with the children is simple, “This medal is a symbol of your courage and of the hundreds of runners cheering you on, wanting to share their strength, hope, and courage with you.” We all know some races are very long and challenging and we have to dig deep down inside to find the courage to continue on, that is some of the same courage each day these children have to draw upon in the race of their lives.
Last year I was joined by Meb Keflezighi, former Olympic Marathon Silver Medalist, who helped begin sharing some of the hundreds of medals donated to children at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. This year the program has expanded to bring smiles to the children at Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego and Cottage Children’s Hospital of Santa Barbara, where the inspiration first began.
Tragically my 19 year old son Luke’s life and dream as a 3rd chemisty major at UCSB, was cut short when he was attacked and killed by a white shark 3 years ago, but his inspiration and his legacy of helping others, when he first donated his race medal can still continue on.
Sincerest thanks,
Candace Ransom