Kelci Straka
Welcome to my website
I am a 15-year-old girl going into 10th grade at Albemarle High School, and I am running the Marine Corps Marathon with my mom, Bonnie Straka. I have four younger siblings as well as an older brother and two dogs. There is never a boring day at my house! I've never run an 'official' race in my life, but I've played sports (mainly soccer) since I was five. I played on Albemarle's JV soccer team this past spring and plan to play for a travel club team this fall. I'm excited to get in better shape with my mom and run for adorable chinese babies/kids!
My motivation to participate with Team LWB this year
There are many reasons I want to run this marathon, but a big motivation is that I get to spend more time with my mom. My mom and I have always been really close, but over the past year we haven't gotten to spend much quality time together because we were both so busy. Training together for this marathon will help us bond together and hopefully will allow us to stay close. Another big motivator for me is the fact that the LWB team is raising awareness for Chinese orphans. My four younger siblings were all adopted from China, and my youngest brother, Luke, recently had life-saving heart surgery. Another reason I want to run this marathon is that I'm a competitve soccer player, and if I'm able to run a marathon, I figure I'll be in good shape for soccer. LWB is a wonderful organization that helps oprhaned Chinese children and gives them hope. I'm grateful that I get to be a part of something so worthwhile!
Fund-Raising
Goal: $750.00
To date: $150.00
I'm participating on behalf of Erin. Erin was born in November 2008. She came into orphanage care after surgery to clear an abdominal obstruction, and had a badly infected surgery site. Once she was stabilized at a local hospital, Erin moved to Love Without Boundarie's Heartbridge Pediatric Healing Unit. In just over a month, Erin's infection has been eliminated and she has gained 3.5 pounds! When Erin is stronger, she will have a second surgery to close the site of her colostomy, and then she will have more time to recover at Heartbridge before returning to her hometown orphanage. She has such bright eyes and a sunny smile!
