Medals for Mettle in Chicago... in the news

so, i was google-ing my name and M4M as i had a moment of being too lazy to log into my blog... and found this article!

http://www.examiner.com/x-560-Running-Examiner~y2009m6d25-Donate-those-unwanted-running-medals

Medal to Gavin

Gavin is the sweetest boy. He is the middle of 5 children and has such a sweet spirit. Early in his development, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Non-Specified) (PDD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). PDD has similar features of autism and SPD is when the "sensory signals do not get organized with the appropriate responses." This can lead with difficulty with speech and social isolation. Sadly, sometimes these conditions can go un-acknowledged.

Gavin is a fighter... along with his parents. Balancing 5 children along with assuring Gavin and the other's specific needs are met... is amazing and a feat within itself! I wanted Gavin to have one of my medals b/c i wanted him to know to NEVER give up.

I was watching The Spirit of The Marathon the other day and one of the people said... "some people run marathons to compete in them and other run them to COMPLETE them"....

i think that is true for life too. Here's to Gavin! Go Get 'Em!!!!

"Let freedom never perish in your hands." ~Joseph Addison

We had another medal drop for Medals4Mettle at the Chicago VA Hospital July 4th weekend. It was an amazing experience as i was able to work with a wonderful family whose boys collected the medals for their Mitzvah Project. The VA identified four in-patients (all women veterans) whom they wanted to receive a medal. It really was touching and the boys did great! I am so thankful for all the men and women who have served and are serving our country. Their sacrifice is greatly appreciated and i hope they felt that today with their medals.