Two best friends. One challenge. One purpose.
Michele Stack and Mariel Arru took on the Kilimanjaro Marathon not just for the challenge, but for the chance to witness firsthand the transformative work The Foundation For Tomorrow has accomplished. From their arrival at JRO airport to the finish line on race day, their journey celebrates friendship, endurance, and the life-changing impact of education.
Hear from Michele: I knew that one day I wanted to run for TFFT from the moment I heard about the opportunity while attending my very first gala several years ago. The mission, to support equal access to education in a part of the world I’ve always felt drawn to, deeply resonated with me. Pairing that purpose with the chance to participate in running a marathon felt like the perfect win-win. Little did I know just how impactful the experience would be.
Mariel and I have been friends who have been training and running marathons together for nearly 20 years. When I proposed the idea of running the Kilimanjaro Marathon, it added a whole new level of meaning to the journey.
After prayerful consideration, meeting the incredible TFFT team in Africa, and witnessing firsthand the life-changing work being done through the Learning Centre, I knew I wanted to deepen my involvement. This led me to become a scholar sponsor. I’m now sponsoring Jesca James, who is currently in kindergarten. I truly hope to return one day—not only to run the half or full Kilimanjaro Marathon again, but also to meet Jesca in person and put a face to the name.
Hear from Mariel: I’ve enjoyed a satisfying running career full of many marathons. I’ve seen running as a connection to friends, physical and mental health, fun, and adventure. Michele and I have trained and raced together for close to 20 years. When her involvement with TFFT started showing up in our conversations, I got interested. This organization felt important and worthy of support. She pitched the race to me on a training run one day when it was only several months away. After some thought and prayer, I started feeling more and more excited about using my running and efforts to train for someone besides myself. I signed up and we started making plans! My heart grew warmer and warmer thinking of using what I have in running to help someone other than myself. I’ve been a helping professional all my life. This trip was special for me, because I got to join my passions of running and loving people where they are… as they are. Getting to do it with my bestie was just icing on the cake! It was a life changing experience to meet these wonderful people and experience and support the incredible work of TFFT.
We are so fortunate to have supporters like these two incredible women. It is because of their commitment, and the commitment of supporters like them, that we are able to continue our meaningful and impactful work in Tanzania. Michele and Mariel were joined by 13 other runners from the US who participated in the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon, the 5K Fun Run, and a trail run up Mt. Meru. This dedicated group raised an impressive $41,775 that helped launch our new Computer Lab and strengthen our mission.
To become a supporter like Michele & Mariel, click here.