My team
Join Our Team
In 2019, Hillary and I found ourselves longing for community among other special needs parents. Horses with Hope, a therapeutic horseback riding program that serves children with disabilities was the first place where we felt like we could be ourselves. We felt truly seen among other families who looked a little like ours. One of those families included Bennett, a boy who rode at the same time as Simon, and his parents Kristen and Dean. Hillary and I always admired Kristen and Dean. They were experienced special needs parents and they arrived each Saturday morning with an intangible peace in their lives. If you had met Bennett, and his smile, you might understand why. Sadly, Bennett passed away in 2020. Kristen and Dean founded Always B Smiling to honor Bennett’s legacy and continued to dedicate their lives to the special needs community of Pittsburgh’s South Hills. Donating to our marathon relay team, Simon’s Strollers, is truly a donation to Always B Smiling. In doing so, you are supporting an organization who directly impacts a community of families in the South Hills in an incomparable way. From adaptive bicycle loans on the Montour Trail, to social and supportive gatherings, to vocational programming with the hope of opening a cafe staffed by people with disabilities, Always B Smiling is a treasure in our area and more than worthy of our support. We are excited for Simon to experience the full 26.2 mile marathon in an adaptive running wheelchair while we band together as a relay team to push him the distance! Thank you for considering this amazing cause and thank you for your support!!
Description
There are two incredible opportunities to support both Casey’s Clubhouse and Always B Smiling, each working toward empowering athletes to achieve their dreams. Meet Destiny—a young athlete with a radiant smile and a zest for life. Born with special needs, she longed to cross the finish line of a marathon herself, a goal that once seemed impossible.
Casey’s Clubhouse Fundraiser
This year, Casey’s Clubhouse invites athletes and supporters of all levels to participate in various race events: the full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, Kid's Walk, Toddler Trot, and Pet Race. By running and raising funds for Casey’s Clubhouse participants directly support athletes with special needs, helping provide accessible sports opportunities and inclusive community engagement.
Always B Smiling Partnership Fundraiser
In a special collaboration, Casey's Clubhouse AND Always B Smiling are raising funds to expand its adaptive stroller marathon program, which allows athletes like Destiny to experience the thrill of crossing the finish line. By running or supporting this program, donors help make marathons accessible for athletes who would otherwise watch from the sidelines.
The adaptive stroller relay teams are working together to raise funds for both amazing south hills programs. Last year, 6 athletes like Destiny took on the full marathon in their adaptive strollers, each feeling the power of community and inclusion.
By supporting either Casey’s Clubhouse, Always B Smiling, or both, you’re joining a powerful community dedicated to making dreams possible.
Let's run together—every step supports a dream!
Your contribution to an adaptive stroller relay team will help us as we continue to grow and support programs for the kids and adults with special needs across the south hills of Pittsburgh and beyond.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 05 | Lori Lawry | $25.00 |
| Dec 04 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Dec 04 | Mimi & Pappy Barton | $100.00 |
| Dec 04 | Laura Herron | $25.00 |
| Dec 03 | Swartzy | $25.00 |
| Dec 02 | Debbie Zanetti | $25.00 |
| Dec 02 | The Wolfgangs | Undisclosed amount |
| Dec 02 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Dec 02 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Dec 02 | Jessica Stanger | $25.00 |
