Grant-A-Week WINNER
Jennifer Fernets - Marathon Runner

"I used to see all those runners out early on Sunday morning and think they were all crazy, Running in the rain, snow, or high winds - nothing breaking their spirits, And the distances they ran - just to train to run 26,2 miles, I mean, who in their right mind would run that far? So here I am at 7:00 am on Sunday morning, running 20 miles in the pouring ran, training for a marathon."

My name is Jennifer Fernets and I am running a marathon this year for the Arthritis Society of Alberta. I am a participant on the Joints in Motion Training Team and myself along with 49 other members from all over Alberta are going to Dublin, Ireland this year to run the marathon. Each team member must raise $5,000 in pledges, which goes directly to the Arthritis Society in helping enhance the lives of those affected by Arthritis.

I am running in honor of a lady by the name of Pat Ross. She is a true hero, as she has lived with Arthritis for the past 20 years and endured 2 full hip replacements. I guess you could say I am her legs and she is my spirit for the race.

I felt joining the team, was one of the best contributions I could make of myself as I love the challenge of training for a marathon and the fundraising aspect adds a twist to it. A lot of people ask me why I got involved in this, as raising $5,000 is not easy. My response is, "If you believe in yourself, you can achieve any goal you set. Do not limit yourself and aim high."

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