More than 10 years ago, I brought the Girls on the Run program to the Greater Pittsburgh area. That same year I completed my first Ironman Triathlon in Florida. In November 2011, I will compete in my 10th Ironman Triathlon in Tempe, AZ and have pledged to raise $10,000 to mark this milestone and to celebrate 10+ years of Girls on the Run in Pittsburgh.

As Girls on the Run at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC surpasses the 10-year mark, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the girls, coaches, families and supporters impacted by the mission and values of this dynamic program. Starting with just one group of 15 girls in 2000, Girls on the Run at Magee has flourished to serving over 1,000 girls this past year. Throughout the last decade, GOTR has reached over 5,000 girls at more than 80 site locations in the southwestern Pennsylvania region. Nearly 300 women role models have devoted their time and energy to empowering girls to stay true to themselves and celebrate their gifts.

Without the support of many local companies, organizations, foundations and individuals, the program would not have benefited the number of girls it has today. Girls on the Run continues to develop and grow throughout southwestern PA with amazing momentum, and I invite you to join the journey for the next 10 years. Girls on the Run at Magee-Womens Hospital thanks all of the supporters and partners for their contributions and dedication to the well-being of over 5,000 girls and their families who are a testament to the program’s success.

I only hoped that the program would become so successful that my own daughter, Bella, would have the opportunity to participate one day...next Fall she will be old enough to do so. Please join me as we continue to empower young girls in the next 10 years and beyond!

Donations can also be made to: GOTR of MWH of UPMC, c/o TenTenTen, 3339 Ward Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213