Help spread the word

Leslie Vanhorn

Team Leslie Vanhorn

Dear Friends and Family,

I am lacing up my sneakers next month and pledging to walk every day for a min of 30 minutes per day for UBMA's Walk-a-Thon. I'm excited to walk for UBMA not only to support my health, but also because this event raises money for UBMA and their mission to advocate for the health and wellness of Black mothers in the U.S., so they can live longer and healthier lives.

I'm asking for sponsors to help me reach my fundraising goal of $3000. Will you help by making a pledge per mile or a simple flat donation?

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement!

"When I am healthy and well, I am a better mother" - Wendy Batiste-Johnson, Founder

About this fundraiser:

We are a health and wellness nonprofit where Black mothers can have a safe-space to rest, come together and invest in their wellness. When we began walking together in the summer of 2020, it was during the the height of the pandemic and the racial unrest in our country. Although, most Americans were emotionally impacted by what was transpiring, Black mothers were particularly neglecting their health because we were overwhelmed with fear and anxiety for the safety of their children. We were also forced to have distressing conversations with our children about racism and safety. Although UBMA alone can't change health and racial disparities that continue to haunt Black and Brown communities, we have chosen to take control of what we can change. We walk together as a community of mothers across the United States to strengthen our physical, emotional and social wellness.

Dr. Brittany Fuller, Interventional Cardiologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI recently spoke with UBMA about Heart Health. She recommends that walking a minimum of 30 minutes per day contributes to a healthier and longer life, lowering the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Additionally, The American Diabetes Association recommends walking to lower blood sugar levels and your overall risk for diabetes. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Diabetes are among the chronic health conditions that Black women statistically have higher mortality rates than any other group of U.S. women.

We have been walking together each month for almost three years; UBMA is asking you to "Walk With Us" to support UBMA and raise money to further our mission in championing self care, health and wellness for Black moms; and providing safe spaces for women and moms to learn, be heard and Be Well.

We are asking you to pledge $1/mile walked, so for example, if you've walked 50 miles, you'd pledge $50 to UBMA. We could not advocate for Black mothers' health and wellness without your monetary support. We could not create safe spaces for women and moms to learn, be heard, be seen & Be Well without your support. No amount is too small. Your ongoing backing and support are both truly appreciated. We look forward to an amazing year of increasing wellness, building community and supporting the health of Black mothers. *For more information, to WALK WITH UBMA and to donate directly, please visit our website: https://unitedblackmothersofamerica.org/wellness-resource-activation/