Sharon Fellner, a medical technologist at Baton Rouge General Hospital, is making waves with her remarkable dedication to her profession and the world of charity running. Beyond her demanding lab work, Sharon laces up her running shoes and hits the pavement, participating in 5k marathons to raise funds for impactful causes. Recently, she had the privilege of joining the esteemed New Orleans Track Club (NOTC) and participating in their anniversary race. Sharon’s inspiring journey and her experience with the NOTC exemplify the transformative power of running for a cause.
Unleashing the Power of Running for a Cause
The trend of charity running has gained significant popularity in recent years, with individuals like Sharon Fellner recognizing the potential of combining their passion for running with making a positive impact. According to Running USA, a leading organization promoting the sport, fundraising events associated with races have seen a notable surge in participation and donations. In 2020 alone, charity running events raised over $300 million for diverse causes across the United States.
Sharon’s involvement in charity running stems from witnessing the profound effects of diseases like cancer on her loved ones. Driven to contribute to the fight against such illnesses, she embraced running to make a difference. “I wanted to have an impact in any way I could, and combining my love for running with fundraising seemed like the perfect opportunity,” Sharon explains.
Joining Forces with the New Orleans Track Club
Discovering the New Orleans Track Club (NOTC) marked a turning point for Sharon. As a non-profit organization devoted to promoting running and fitness within the community, the NOTC offers an array of races throughout the year, catering to participants of all ages and abilities. Becoming a member of the NOTC not only connected Sharon with a supportive running community and granted her access to a diverse range of race events, further fueling her passion for charity running.
The Impact of Charity Running
Charity running benefits not only the causes it supports but also the runners themselves. Research has demonstrated that engaging in pro-social behaviors, such as fundraising for charity through running, can enhance physical and mental well-being. Studies published in the Journal of Health Psychology indicate that participating in charitable activities increases life satisfaction and overall happiness.
Sharon attests to the personal fulfillment she experiences through charity running. “Knowing that my efforts are making a difference in the lives of others gives me a sense of purpose and joy,” she says. “It’s incredible to see how a simple act like running can have a ripple effect and create positive change.”
Making Every Step Count: Sharon’s Race Experience with the NOTC
Recently, Sharon had the honor of participating in the NOTC’s highly anticipated anniversary race, which attracted hundreds of passionate runners united by their love for the sport and their desire to contribute to the charitable causes supported by the club.
“I was thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and energetic race,” Sharon recalls. “The atmosphere was electric, and witnessing people from all walks of life coming together to run for a purpose was truly amazing.”
Throughout the race, Sharon felt a surge of motivation and camaraderie. The cheers from spectators, the support of fellow runners, and the dedication of volunteers created an uplifting environment that fueled her determination to push through every step. Crossing the finish line, Sharon experienced a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that her efforts had contributed to the support of vital causes championed by the NOTC.
Conclusion
Sharon Fellner’s inspiring journey as a charity runner exemplifies the transformative power of combining a passion for running with a commitment to making a positive impact. Through her involvement with the New Orleans Track Club, she has found a supportive community and discovered the immense joy of giving back. As more individuals like Sharon recognize the potential of charity running, we anticipate an even more significant favorable influence on the causes they support and their overall well-being. So, lace up your running shoes and join the movement of making every step count for a brighter future.
