Marathon Memorial 06

IN MEMORY OF JOE SONNWALD

The Disney Half-Marathon begins at 6 a.m. on Sunday, January 9. The event organizers boast that while any race will challenge your strength and test your endurance, this is the "only race that encourages you to run away with your imagination!" And that's exactly what I will do. 

During every mile of the 13.1-mile course, I will imagine what it would be like for EVERY nursing home resident in EVERY facility across the nation to receive the high-quality, compassionate care that they deserve EVERY day. I will be running to honor my father, Joe Sonnwald, who died on Christmas Eve of 2003. He was a victim of nursing home neglect. In his memory, I will be raising money for the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform and I will ask you to support this great cause.

My father was a remarkable man. He was 50 when I was born and despite his age, we always shared a youthful energy and bond. He was my biggest supporter, and the most vocal one. He believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. What a wonderful gift. He would be proud that I am running this race and I am proud to be his daughter.

Please help me support this wonderful cause. Let's remember those who have died unnecessarily or in pain. Let's do what we can to prevent it from happening in the future. Let your imagination run wild. Someday it WILL be a reality. With your help, we can make it sooner rather than later.

Thank you for your support and see you on race day.

All the best,

Post Script: Karen completed the race and raised over $2000.  Congratulations and thank you Karen!