A 'Positive Teen on the Run' Story... as told to HFL by a VMS volunteer

It was a pretty nice day so I decided to help out with the practice run our 'Positive Teens' were taking in preparation for their first 5K race.  I was in the lead car watching in the rear view mirror as our excited youngsters rounded the bend.  My mouth dropped as I watched one of the 2 lead youngsters striding away from the pack.  Tears sprang to my eyes as I realized who it was.  Phillie has been part of the support group since he was 7 years old and always so sickly.  He is not a scholar and is far too old for his class so he gets depressed and doesn't want to go to school.... but running!! 

Running is his passion and motivation. As I watched him round the bend with his head held high and a huge smile on his face I felt my cheeks grow damp.  Thank you VMS for allowing this once hopeless young man the opportunity to feel proud and confident. I think he's going to make it!

Please consider making a small contribution for Phillie’s chance to run the “big race” in October. He needs entry fees, transportation, running shoes and proper running attire.

Thank You.

 

 

Positive Teens on the Run

VMS Peace Corps Volunteer Teresa Beroncin, organized a running group comprised of 24 ‘extraordinary, determined and goal-focused adolescents’ who are excited about becoming positive role models.

These young teens, from impoverished and underprivileged homes, many orphaned, are concerned about the growing stigma attached to being HIV positive. “We want to change society’s perceptions of HIV… We are confident in our desire to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

Each runner keeps a training journal to track his or her practice and progress.  Their motto is: Empowering strides to end stigma and discrimination.  As a group, they have chosen to dedicate each 40,008 kilometers, which equals one circling of the globe, to memoralize one young person they know who has died directly or indirectly as a result of stigma and discrimination.

This first run around the world is dedicated to their dear friend, Ronewa, who died February 2015,  a few days after her 17^th birthday. (A Sad Good-Bye – March 19, 2015).

Please consider assisting these young worriers with contributions for entry fees, transportation, running shoes and attire.

Thank you!