Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Combining Two Passions

Check out the blog post below that describes how former International Volunteer, Kim Young, continues to support NPH!
 

Kim with some of her 7th graders form NPH Mexico

When I was in college, I was fortunate enough to participate in a study abroad program in Cuernavaca, Mexico. It was there that I first learned about NPH and the incredible work they were doing to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds. I took a trip one day to visit the home and immediately fell in love with the organization. I couldn’t wait to get more involved so I decided to become a long-term volunteer. It was there that I cared for a group 7th graders who always managed to keep me on my toes. 
 
While in Mexico, I developed a passion for running. Back home I was an inline skater, but the cobblestone streets in Miacatlán weren’t exactly conducive to that type of activity. My 7th graders and I actually used to run around the soccer fields together, and I will always cherish those memories. After I returned to the US, I signed up to serve on a planning committee for the 2nd annual 5k run/walk at the local NPH office. What better way to combine my two passions, running and the children of NPH! 
 
This year, believe it or not, we’re planning our 12th annual 5k and the event is still going strong. I can’t believe it’s been over a decade but I’m so honored to continue furthering the mission of NPH through this race. I’m especially excited about this year’s event because the funds raised will buy medical supplies at the NPH home that means the most to me, Mexico! 
 
This year’s race will be held on Saturday, May 5th in Woodbury, MN. I hope you can join us to support this amazing cause! 
 
About the medical supplies: When a child joins our family, he or she gets a full health checkup in our internal clinic. Many of the children come to us with severe malnutrition and health problems due to the poverty they were living in before coming to NPH. The examination is carried out to provide the best medical treatment for the new children but also to protect the other children in our home from infectious diseases. The funds raised from this year’s 5k will go towards these tests. 
 
Would you like to support Kim and the rest of the 5k committee in their effort to fund medical supplies for NPH Mexico?