Team Heifer Athlete Preps to 'Run Like a Mother'

Jann Sanicola is a lifelong runner and a passionate Heifer supporter. So when she learned about Team Heifer’s endurance program through her church bulletin, she was ecstatic. “As soon as I saw that I could run in the Brooklyn Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, I said I’m signing up. I told everyone in my church that I’m doing it.” – and with that, “Run Like a Mother” was born. 

The inspiration for her catchy fundraising name came from a tank top that she bought at one of her many races, but Jann takes that meaning literally. “I was born in Brooklyn. I’ve never run Brooklyn. But more than that, I wanted to do it with my son, who just moved back after many years on the west coast.”

When asked about her enthusiasm for participating in the Brooklyn Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, Jann harkens back immediately to the reason why she supports Heifer: 

The integrity of the organization is very important to me when I fundraise. At Heifer, you can see something really happening with the money. The idea of something being sustainable – giving someone a purpose instead of just handing them a bag of rice – is a lot more fulfilling. Jann Sanicola, Team Heifer Fundraiser

“Run Like a Mother” is already 80% to its fundraising goal with a month until race day. So, what’s the secret to Jann’s fundraising success?

“My number one thing is that I always send a lot of emails – and I put a really catchy footer on my email signature. Right now, that says, ‘Holy Cow! Will you help me buy my cow?’

Beyond that, I try to make people feel like they’re a part of something – because sometimes they don’t know that there are organizations out there that they have a passion for. Buying a family a bunch of chickens instead of giving them a dozen eggs? That causes a difference in the heart.”

Our hearts are full of Jann’s passion – and we look forward to watching Run Like a Mother, and Jann, cross the finish line on October 8, 2016 in Brooklyn.

Read more about Jann’s story or donate to her “Run Like a Mother” campaign page here, or sign up to run the Brooklyn Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon with Team Heifer.  

Not sure what Heifer's all about, or how fundraising for Heifer works? Here's a quick guide: 




Header photo by Martins Zemlickis, courtesy of Unsplash.