Westbrook Nonprofits and Charities

OutRUN 38 &ndash; &ldquo;Outrunning&rdquo; Cystic Fibrosis<br><br>Giving comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes, we give in ways we would never have imagined. For me, it was through running, an activity I discovered late in my life but has given me rewards beyond the obvious physical improvements. Last winter, via the power of social media, I happened to see a story on people making a difference in my state. And within that list, I learned about a non-profit group called OutRUN 38, which seeks to support those living with Cystic Fibrosis, support research for a cure, as well as promote healthy living for all. Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease which affects the lungs and digestive system of more than 70,000 people around the world, and essentially robs them of the ability to breathe freely. This charity was meaningful to me because it involved running, about which I am passionate, and Cystic Fibrosis, of which I am a genetic carrier.<br><br>Because of OutRUN 38, I am giving practically daily to a cause in which I truly believe. Whenever I run, I log my miles for the charity; I post about my running adventures on social media for the charity, creating awareness for the organization; and when I can, financially, via purchasing merchandise or signing up for an OutRUN activity. OutRUN 38 has given me a way to help that is far more than just writing a check. But OutRUN 38 has given back to me as well, as the charity&rsquo;s &ldquo;Outrun the Odds&rdquo; Facebook community, which features thousands of members around the world, is a support page for everyone who is a part of it, a community where one receives encouraging words for any &ldquo;odds&rdquo; its members may face.<br><br>The Outrun 38 community is involved in races all over the country, wearing the charity&rsquo;s name on shirts and creating an awareness for a cause about which we are passionate. Just weeks ago, at the Hartford Marathon, nearly 150 runners donned the 'Outrun 38' logo, pounding the pavement in three separate road races that weaved through streets past tens of thousands of spectators.<br><br>As Outrun 38 'outrunners,' we run for those who can&rsquo;t, especially those with a disease essentially robbing them of their breath. And as a result, our running has become much more than footsteps. It is a healing, philanthropic act. The act of running may bring mental toughness to our mind and brawniness to our bodies, but &ldquo;outrunning&rdquo; has made our hearts stronger and better in so many ways, allowing us give back, help others, and find a sense of community that feeds our souls. <br><br>For more information, visit www.outrun38.org<br><br>