Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this letter finds you all in good health and high spirits. I am writing to share some incredibly exciting news—I am going to run in the prestigious TCS New York City Marathon almost three decades after retiring form running! But what makes this journey even more meaningful is that I won’t be running just for myself; I’ll be running for a cause very close to my heart.

As many of you know, my background as an elite Kenyan runner has always fueled my passion for running. But today, my motivation goes beyond personal achievements. I am running to raise funds for the construction of a cancer hospital for children in Kenya.

It breaks my heart to think that in this day and age, there isn’t a dedicated cancer facility in sub-Saharan Africa to provide essential care for kids’ cancer patients in Kenya. That’s why I am dedicating my 26.2 miles to change this reality. Every step I take in the marathon will be a step towards building hope and healing for these children and their families in Kenya.

While I may have transitioned from the world of competitive running to academia as a professor here in Washington state, my commitment to making a difference remains steadfast. I truly believe that together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of these young warriors battling cancer.

I am reaching out to you, my dear family, and friends, to ask for your support in this endeavor. Your generous donations will not only help me reach my fundraising goal but, more importantly, will contribute to creating a brighter future for the children of Kenya.

Please consider supporting me on this journey by making a donation towards this worthy cause. No amount is too small, and every contribution will make a difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these courageous children.

With gratitude,

Gladys

PS: The picture is from 1995 where I am standing alongside Nancy Kiprop, left, and Edna Kiplagat, center.