Hi, my name is Emma Pacifici and I’m back this year to run my next race, to raise money for orphans in Kazakhstan. When I was six months old, my parents flew from Chicago to Uralsk, Kazakhstan to meet me at the orphanage and bring me home. My parents say that was the day I made us a family.
I’m so grateful to everyone who helped support my former orphanage, and I hope to again help these children who don’t have families yet. Last year 86 people generously donated and I raised $8,100. I am very grateful to the orphanage for taking such good care of me until my parents could come, and I want to make a difference for the children in Kazakhstan who are waiting to be adopted.
At 14 years old I ran my first half marathon. And to challenge myself further, I started doing triathlons this past year. Whether it’s with my high school team, on my own, or in local races, I love to run.
My goal is for every child to be placed in a loving home like I was, through continuing my commitment to running a race each year of high school to raise money for children in the orphanage that I lived in and would love if you could help me make that a success. With your support, my goal this year is to surpass last year’s total donations by running the Evergreen 5 mile in Snohomish, Washington on May 31st .
I have continued to partner with Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, the only U.S. adoption agency currently approved to work in Kazakhstan, to ensure donations will go directly to help children there. Funda are needed to install a children’s playground, to provide recreational and cultural excursions to play centers and zoos, and to purchase necessary equipment and toys, helping improve the lives of these children until they are placed for adoption.
Please click the green donate button on the Cradle of Hope website for easy directions to donate. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Thank you so much for making dreams come true — one step at a time, one run at a time, one donation at a time!
Oolkan rakmet – meaning, Thank you very much!
See you next year!