Running Toward Confidence: Jessica's Journey with Girls on the Run
From her first uncertain steps at the starting line to a triumphant finish at last year’s 5K, Jessica’s journey with Girls on the Run has been about much more than running. When Jessica joined our program, she was a shy third-grader struggling to find her voice. Today, she stands proud as a beacon of confidence among her peers, all thanks to the support of our dedicated community—the same community we invite you to join as part of our "Champions of Change."
Jessica's mother, Maria, remembers the early days: "She would come home quiet, keep to herself, and you could see she was wrestling with self-doubt." But as the weeks of training and life skills lessons progressed, something remarkable happened. "One evening, she came home and couldn’t stop talking about how she’d finished her first practice 5K. She was glowing with pride. It wasn’t just about the distance; it was about overcoming her fear of not being enough.
"The transformation didn’t stop at the track. With each session, Jessica not only built her stamina but also her self-esteem. She learned to set goals, celebrate achievements, and support her teammates. These lessons transcended the physical aspect of running, spilling over into her schoolwork and friendships. "She’s a different girl now," Maria adds. "She volunteers answers in class, she’s eager to help others, and she truly believes in herself."
As Jessica continues to grow with each season, so does the cost of ensuring every girl can participate in Girls on the Run, regardless of her family's financial situation. The true cost of providing a girl like Jessica with a transformative experience is over $400, but thanks to our Champions of Change, no girl is turned away for lack of funds.
Today, we are reaching out to you to join us as a Champion of Change. Your monthly support will help us continue to provide girls with the tools they need to succeed in running and in life. You’ll not only be sponsoring the next generation of strong, confident women but also giving them the lifelong gift of believing in themselves.
Be the champion that Jessica—and countless other girls—need to thrive.
Together, we can transform lives, one girl at a time.
Friend ($10/month): Receive our newsletter + recognition on our website
Supporter ($25/month): All Friend benefits + a discount on both spring and fall 5K entries
Advocate ($50/month): All Supporter benefits + a free spring and fall 5K entries
Champion ($100/month): All Advocate benefits + VIP access to our Sneaker Soiree
Plus, all Champions will enjoy exclusive invitations to special Girls on the Run events and opportunities to connect with our teams throughout the year.
