Hey everyone!

Felicia Stokes here and Crystal Brown, your comedic marathon duo with a shared passion for fitness and wellness. We just completed our second half marathon, The Brooklyn Half in May and we’re so excited about continuing our fitness journeys — this time for a greater cause at this year’s NYC Marathon on November 5^th. 

When we first heard about Shoe4Africa and its remarkable work to empower African youth through healthcare and education, we both knew its mission was aligned with our deep interests in Africa. In 2013, during Crystal’s undergraduate visual design project, she redesigned Kenya’s official currency to include positive images of native Kenyan women and showcase the brilliance and often unlooked cultural contributions African women had made over the centuries. In November of 2017, Felicia was fortunate enough to previously travel to South Africa to volunteer her time with young HIV refugees through the Edith Benson Babies Home in Durban, Baphumelele Childrens Home in Cape Town, Emadleweni School and The Rivers Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa.  

That is why we will be running the NYC Marathon on behalf of Shoe4Africa to help raise funds for the nonprofit to launch and operate the very first Children’s Public Hospital in Kenya and across Eastern Africa. This run is not about us anymore — it’s about making sure that the next generation of African children and young women who walk through those doors have the fundamental resources and support systems they need to live bountiful lives on this green earth. Isn’t that what most of us strive to accomplish at the end of the day? 

As ambitious as we are, our target goal is $10,000. We greatly appreciate any donation, no matter how big or small it is. 100% of the proceeds raised will go to Shoe4Africa. All donations are tax-deductible, thanks in advance and we’ll see you at the finish line!

Love and Light,

Felicia and Crystal  

Follow our journeys @mittensnyc @iamcoz.ceee (#Fe&CeeRunNYC)