Meet Your Ambassadors

We are so grateful for our community members serving as ambassadors to share the story of the Go Jen Go Foundation and bring the community together on March 9! Be sure to follow them on social media to see the great things they are doing in the community and supporting Go Jen Go!

KRYSTA HUBER | CERTIFIED FITNESS AND NUTRITION COACH

PROFESSION:

Certified fitness and nutrition coach

Founder of the FYX Podcast

Founder & CEO of The FITNESS FYX, an online fitness & nutritional mentorship and business mentorship program

Co-Founder of FYX Studios, a boutique wellness center focused on self-care for your whole self

Why I am a Run Jen Run Ambassador: Being a part of something that encourages people to move and be active--for such an important cause--is something I'd go above and beyond to support! What I admire most about Go Jen Go is the organization's dedication to the families it supports. I can only imagine the relief these families feel knowing that several needs and services, all of which most of us take for granted, are taken care of in such a trying time.

Favorite Part of the Race Last Year:

Running alongside the race teams and participants. It's simply heartwarming to know that even though we all recognize the limitations for someone with cancer or another illness or disease, those suffering don't want to be treated differently. Seeing those special individuals literally push the runners who physically couldn't run, but wanted to be a part of the experience, was just incredible to witness. It's an act of support and strength like no other.

Describe Run Jen Run Race Day:

Run Jen Run Race Day is truly a feel-good family event. I'm not much of a runner, but the positivity of the environment is just so inviting and welcoming. I think it's a wonderful reminder that exercise isn't a punishment for what we want our bodies to do, or how we want to look. Rather, it's a celebration of what we're capable of: there are people who aren't so lucky to do the things we take for granted each day.

Follow me on Instagram:

@thekrystahuber

@thewellverse

@thefyx.officialpod

MALENA DIEGO | BANK SPECIALIST

BIO: I am a girl that loves a good laugh, a good challenge and good company. I have come to enjoy running and anything fitness related (triathlon, strength training, running, you name it)!

I just moved to Asheville with my husband and dog! I’m excited to build a running community here, but will alway love my Omega Nation running group and Camp Gladiator group in Charlotte. I’m excited to run virtually in my new city- and I bet I will have a lot of hills on this virtual 5K!

I love being around people and helping others reach their goals. You can find me smiling, laughing and just cheering people on in all aspects of life.

Why I am an Ambassador: I love being able to give back to an organization that is serving so many in our community, one that keeps it local. I also love that I can connect my love for running to giving back to my community.

LAURA HASTINGS | REGISTERED NURSE

BIO: I’m a former college swimmer, mom to 2 great kids and wife. I started running 5 years ago with a group of friends have run over 16 half marathon and just finished my first marathon. I am passionate about sports, health and wellness and helping others. I am a nurse and I know that 2020 was tough for a lot of people including myself. I couldn’t have made it through 2020 without my running partners. We were all there for each other and running helped us stay mentally strong, keep each other accountable and because of that I was a better RN, mom and wife.

Some days are tough as a runner and you don’t feel like it but I promise if you stay the course it is so worth it.

Why I am an Ambassador: I am an ambassador because I truly am passionate about helping others. I will give it 110% like I do everything else. It means helping others and finding a cure. Have had a couple of close friends affected with breast cancer. I believe it’s important to always spread the word and raise money. Running for a great cause also is teaching my 11-year-old daughter many lessons.

Follow her on Instagram:

@Megsjake

LYNDSAY BONK | BUYER & ACCOUNTANT

BIO: I’m a buyer, mom of two girls and a wife to a husband who supports all my running adventures. I love all things fitness! I recently ventured into a few trail races last year. The running community is so welcoming, friendly and beyond supportive! Running and my fellow Mother Runners are what helped me stay grounded in the last year.

Why I am an Ambassador: I truly enjoy when I can bring my love for running together to help my community. I have been running the Run Jen Run 5K for many years and believe in the mission and see the great work they do in the community. I am honored to be able to tell others about this race and have them learn about an organization that is impacting our local community!

What I love about race day: I know this year will be different, but I am looking forward to being able to bring our close friends and neighbors to run a new and different route close to home for race day!

TIM MCBRIDE | RETIRED

BIO: A runner who supports many organizations. I have a running streak of over 8 years. I use running to help fundraise for various organizations and spread awareness.

Why I am an Ambassador: I hate cancer. The day I found out my nephew’s wife (Jennifer) had breast cancer I also heard about Run Jen Run. I have run the race every year since then.

Follow him on Instagram: @TIMMCBEAST

SARAH DEAN | SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

BIO: I am from Cameron, WV and have lived in Rock Hill, SC for 14 years. I am happily married to my husband, Andrew. We have three kids - Lilley (9), Luke (7), and Anderson (6 months). I have been a school psychologist in South Carolina schools for the past 11 years. I am also a Representative for Zyia Activewear. I started running in 2009 to get in shape and to challenge myself. Running has now evolved into a way for me to take charge of my mental health and also as a social outlet.

Why I am an Ambassador: I am a Run Jen Run Ambassador because I believe in the mission of Go Jen Go. I wanted to join this amazing organization to help women and their families who are dealing with breast cancer. I know firsthand how organizations like Go Jen Go can help families in need. In 2015 (on my son's 2nd birthday), I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I was able to fight this disease with the help of an amazing medical team, family and friends, and the support of organizations like Go Jen Go. The support of others helped me get through the emotional stress, physical side effects, and financial burdens of the treatments I needed.

A Favorite Memory from Race Day: I was truly inspired by all of the fellow survivors and the community of support at this event.

KATE WHEELER | CAMP GLADIATOR OWNER

BIO: I am a wife, dog mom, Ironman triathlete, and Camp Gladiator franchise owner. My passion in life is helping others lead a healthier lifestyle to become the best version of themselves. I am a fitness & nutrition coach and teach outdoor and virtual bootcamps for all ages and abilities and love the fact that allows me to connect with people from all walks of life! I became an ambassador to support RJR and GJG because they offer hope to those going through a challenging time with breast cancer. Life wasn't meant to be easy, but sometimes we all need someone in our corner and this organization offers that for so many.

Follow Kate on Social Media:

Facebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/katie.wheeler.75491/

Facebook business group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/248897492137326

Instagram: @ironwheelsk8

TOM PATANIA |

BIO: Being one of the leaders for Ballantyne Running Club has provided me the opportunity to help introduce and shine the spotlight on local charities and businesses and one of my favorites has always been Go Jen Go. As a past participant of #RunJenRun, #CheersJenCheers and #PinkInTheRink, I’ve learned how they help fill the gap to provide financial assistance to families during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The burden of figuring out how to pay your bills and fight breast cancer can be unimaginable. However, some of us know firsthand how stressful this can be on the cancer fighter & their family and that is why I’ll continue to support Go Jen Go. I hope you’ll join me by registering for #RunJenRun (virtual).