Just when you think you know someone really well, they surprise you! We know each other in a work relationship but oftentimes what we do outside of work is something completely different and unexpected. For most of our international staff, we have only 8 weeks to interact with them and even then it is while we are all busy focusing on the campers here at Pompositticut. Although they live with the director, Jackie, even she has been surprised by the international staff’s modesty regarding their accomplishments.
One of the best examples of this is during Summer 2016 our Heels Down instructor Zoe Rodgers, surprised everyone by training for the New York City Marathon. Where she found the energy after working a full day on her feet outside in hot temperatures, is still a mystery. One doesn’t just enter a 26.2 mile race unless you are prepared to train and stay physically fit for this ultimate test held on Sunday, November 6th. The 46th running of the NY City Marathon will traverse through the 5 boroughs of New York City, beginning in Staten Island, travelling through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and finishing in Manhattan. She will be amongst 50,000 other dedicated runners who, many like Zoe, are running for a specific cause. The average time for the runners is a grueling 4.5 hours!
In her own words Zoe explains what motivated her, “I was running most days before camp knowing the fight Jackie made when she had cancer was tougher than what I was doing! Even the campers would push me to run further every day, meaning everyone at Pompositticut was supporting me through a tough summer. I know how much Jackie would like to be there on the day, but she will be achieving her own goals at the (driving) championships. The inspiration, love and strength I gained from my 2nd Pompositticut summer will carry me through this Marathon and I would be most grateful to everyone who donates big or small to help the bigger challenge that is Cancer.”
Zoe qualified to run with and raise money for “Action Cancer”, a leading cancer charity that began in Northern Ireland. Their mission is to save lives and support local people through cancer awareness, prevention, detection and support. Action Cancer is the only charity in the UK to offer breast screening clinics to women. To date, Zoe has personally been sponsored to raise over $6000 for this charity and is hoping to add even more during the next few weeks before the race. If you would like to help her accomplish this goal please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NYCRodgers
We all wish her great success!
Quote- Jackie Kane
“People inspire us and give us strength when and where we need it. Zoe was a quiet and patient provider of strength. This young lady amazes me every time I spend more time with her. I am grateful for the effort she puts forth in my honor, as well as all patients and survivors. I would love to be there at the finish line to give her the biggest hug ever but when we face and complete our personal goals, we survive!
It is no accident Pompositticut’s new dreamcatcher logo states, “Where Dreams and Goals Happen!”
Good luck Zoe!!”