First Candle is a charity committed to ending Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths while supporting bereaved families. It is for these parents who are facing the worst that a French team from New York will start on November 7 during the New York Marathon. For these parents, for these families struck by the unimaginable, they raise funds and will run a little over 42 kilometers.
Miriam Lavabre
Running the New York Marathon
They are called Mirjam, Marie, Agathe, Alain, Arnaud, Régis, Florence, Emmanuel, Antoine, Céline, Manuela, Gregorio, David, Pierre and Stéphan. They are fifteen French from New York gathered around a common passion, sport. But also around the challenge and the causes. Together, last May, they took part in an extraordinary adventure: Ragnar Trail Zion. ” It was a crazy race, “Says Mirjam Lavabre,” we had a crazy understanding, the race was very hard, you have to have lived it to understand “. Ragnar is a three-stage, twenty-four hour half marathon race. In Zion National Park, in the heart of Utah, the crazy equipped ran day, night and in the early morning. ” Breathtaking landscapes, but also a discovery of oneself »Explains Mirjam Lavabre. Self-discovery, but also discovery of others, of a team. After the race, the team sets off two more goals; the Sag Harbor Triathlon and the New York Marathon. New challenges, but also a great cause to serve, which comes as a sign of fate: running the marathon for the benefit of the foundation First Candle.
« To run the 2021 marathon, either you are not one of the registrants for last year’s marathon which was postponed due to the pandemic, or you have to support a foundation, run for a cause. »Explains Mirjam Lavabre. It is almost logical for the team of French which already ran a half-marathon in the streets of New York last year in support of Bowery Mission. All involved, all committed to serving others, those in need.
Fundraising for First Candle
Fifteen years ago, Mirjam Lavabre was struck by what is most abominable, losing a child. Her little Lola was 5 months old when she went to join the stars. Each year, there are approximately 3,400 sudden and unexpected infant deaths in the United States. These deaths occur in infants under one year of age and do not have an immediately obvious cause, it can strike any newborn. ” On June 15th, which is the day Lola left, I was looking at the foundations to be supported in order to be able to run the marathon, and really by chance, I came across First Candle, “Explains Mirjam” I contacted them and they answered me immediately, we had our bibs to run the marathon, we are all going to run together for the cause of First Candle, supported by the Longchamps brand and I am very moved by it ».
Mirjam says ” I run for families who have lost a child, to help these families. For my part, I was very supported, so surrounded, our friends had even launched a pot which allowed us not to have to work for several months, but not everyone has the chance to be surrounded. Thus. And we have to help these families ».
Being surrounded, helped psychologically, helped financially, Mirjam Lavabre recognizes it, it makes it possible to cross the unspeakable, to get up again. One small step after another. Also, it is with emotion and ampathy that the Mirjam team decided to lift $ 50,000 to help bereaved families. « Through donations, First Candle educates families, nurses, social workers and caregivers to follow safe sleep guidelines for infants, resulting in dramatic reduction in Sudden Newborn Death Syndrome Can we read on the foundation’s page.
Running for a cause, running to help, reaching out with each stride, the philosophy of Mirjam, Marie, Agathe, Alain, Arnaud, Régis, Florence, Emmanuel, Antoine, Céline, Manuela, Gregorio, David, Pierre and Stéphan. They are the “Dreamers”.
Mutual aid at heart, the memory of Lola who did not blow out her first candle. Lola, the little star that will shine brighter on November 7th.
To participate in the “Dreamers” fundraiser and make a don à First Candle
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