Help Michelle raise money

Hello everyone, and thank you so much for visiting our 2024 Team “Vibrant Vali” Falmouth Road Race fundraising page!  This iconic 7 mile race along Cape Cod’s beautiful oceanfront will take place for its 52nd year on Sunday, August 18th. 

For those that don’t know me, my name is Michelle and I am mom to Valerie, my spunky almost 10 year old daughter.  Vali is an amazing big sister, a determined and hardworking 4th grader, and an empathetic friend who has never met a stranger!  She was also born with Myelomeningocele, the most severe type of Spina Bifida.  Valerie’s Spina Bifida has an impact on our day to day lives, and she has persevered through more trials already than most will ever have to face.  However, she continues to take each obstacle in stride, and does not let her disabilities define her!!!  I am so proud to be her mommy, and so it is my honor to come alongside the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England (SBAGNE) by running and FUNdraising with their charity team for my 3rd year!  The event and camping in Falmouth for the weekend has truly become one of the highlights of our summer.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “It takes a village!” - and let me tell you, that has become ever more apparent as time goes by.  This year, my “village” has expanded 3x!!!  I am so thrilled and thankful to share with you all that I have 13 amazing friends and family members who have graciously decided to join me on this summers’ racing and fundraising journey!  Thats right, Team “Vibrant Vali” is 14 women strong this year - and I couldn’t be more excited!!! 

Individually, we have a goal to raise $850 each for the organization.  Collectively that means our goal this year is to raise a whopping $11,900.00!!!  WOW - now that is a BIG number - BUT, I am certain that if we as fundraisers can remain as determined as Vali, with our eyes focused on the finish line, we WILL succeed and get there, together!

SBAGNE has been a part of our story since we learned of Valerie’s diagnosis while she was still in utero.  My husband and I attended our first of their many group events while 6 months pregnant.  We met several families that day who were so welcoming, and became a huge support for us during a hard time filled with lots of “unknowns.”  We still keep in touch with these families and love getting to watch their kids grow and blossom over the years!  SBAGNE’s mission is "to build a better and brighter future for all those impacted by Spina Bifida." Part of how they do this, is by offering recreational opportunities such as the event we attended while pregnant, and many many more, to meet and network with other families.  They also host educational events, gift scholarships, and provide vital community outreach and advocacy.

Will you join OUR village this year, by partnering with Team “Vibrant Vali” and donating to the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England?  With your help, I know we will meet and exceed our fundraising goal, and I cannot wait to see the impact and opportunities our joint efforts will provide for the organization and the individuals and families it serves!

Thank you so much for reading, your consideration and for generously donating to help this great cause!!!

With much appreciation -
Michelle, Kelly, Lindsey, Jackie, Sarah, Meghan, Katie, Kathy, Patty, Kate, Caroline, Mia, Marissa & Jen