This October, I'm lacing up my sneakers as a Virtual Runner for the annual CASA Ogeechee 5K! While I won?t be able to physically participate on race day due to my role as Race Coordinator, my commitment to advocating for vulnerable children is as strong as ever. And this year, there's a new way you can help: by purchasing a "Back and Body Hurts Run Club" shirt!

Back and Body Hurts Run Club

What started as a joke between friends turned into a real movement. Nothing is more empowering than a community with shared goals. We created this club to get healthier together, support one another, and make space for friendship and fun while training for our first 5K together. We?re not fast. We?re not fancy. But we are showing up for ourselves and for each other.

Why I?m Running: A Voice for Every Child

As a staff member at Child Advocacy Services SEGA, Inc., I witness firsthand the life-changing impact our CASA Volunteers make for children experiencing foster care in Bulloch, Effingham, Screven, and Jenkins counties. When children are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, it?s a confusing and traumatic time. CASA steps in to be their consistent, trusted advocate.

Through CASA Ogeechee, volunteers are trained, appointed by Juvenile Court Judges, and equipped to ensure each child?s voice is heard. They gather information from all aspects of the child?s life?teachers, foster parents, family members, and healthcare providers?to advocate for the child?s best interests in court and throughout the child welfare journey.

How You Can Help:

This year, I?m inviting you to support CASA Ogeechee in two meaningful ways:

???? Donate to my Virtual 5K fundraiser: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/child-advocacy-services-sega-inc/13th-annual-casa-superhero-run/kristen-kramer-2Your contribution helps fund:

• Volunteer recruitment, screening, and training
• Ongoing support and supervision of volunteers
• Advocacy tools and essential resources for children
• Efforts to raise awareness about child abuse and the need for volunteers

? Buy a "Back and Body Hurts Run Club" shirtNot only will you look great repping our journey to better health and friendship, but proceeds from every shirt sale go directly to Child Advocacy Services SEGA, Inc. Your purchase helps sustain critical advocacy for children in foster care?plus, it's a fun way to show your support from anywhere!

Every dollar and every shirt helps give a child a voice.

Please consider donating to my virtual run and grabbing a shirt to support the cause. No amount is too small, and every act of kindness helps us change a child's story for the better.

Thank you for standing with me, and with them. ?