Running to Make a Difference

Photo: International Medical Corps

Aaron smiles after crossing the finishing line of the Boston Marathon. He ran 26.2 miles to raise money to help IMC support thousands of people displaced by the Darfur conflict.

Massachusetts native Aaron Landes had two deep and seemingly unrelated dreams: to finish the Boston Marathon and be a humanitarian worker for Africa. This April, Aaron fulfilled both goals in one day by logging miles and money for International Medical Corps (IMC). Together with his girlfriend, Aaron raised $2,000 by race day and another $1,200 is on the way.

To accomplish his goals, Aaron literally hit the ground running. While training for the marathon, Aaron put together a fundraiser at a bar with the cover charge going directly to International Medical Corps. His girlfriend, a yoga instructor, held a charity workshop at her studio.

“When I embarked on my journey to run the Boston Marathon, I told myself I wanted to help people through my efforts,” says Aaron. “I am so thankful that I found the people at International Medical Corps. They even put together a fundraising website for me – a random kid from Boston who wanted to run a marathon and raise a little money while doing it.”

Aaron was introduced to International Medical Corps at a fundraising dinner in New York. He had been wondering how and when he could get involved with Africa in a more personal way when he met Nazare Albuquerque, director of public policy and outreach for IMC, and learned about the organization’s work for victims of the Darfur conflict. In his introduction to IMC’s work, Aaron realized that he could start making a difference right away through his other passion, running. Having already completed a half-marathon, Aaron decided it was time to go for the full 26.2 in his home city of Boston.

“Due to an injury, the Boston Marathon was physically one of the hardest things I have ever done, but each step of the way I was pushed by the fact that so many people, from my donors to the people at International Medical Corps, were supporting my effort.”

You too can make a difference right now in your home town. If you have a fundraising idea, whether it be running marathons or baking cakes, please let International Medical Corps know how we can support you.

Complete a personal dream while helping others around the world. Email us at imc@imcworldwide.org, or call 310-826-7800.