Rising Hearts April Blog Updates
Hello APRIL and hello Community! Happy Spring Equinox! We hope you are well, in good health and spirits. We are so excited for this Spring and Summer and all the exciting things coming to fruition! We are in the planning phase for upcoming events, we just brought runners to the DC Rock n Roll Half Marathon, prepping for Boston Marathon - 113 mile Relay Run for Emily Pike, Earth Day 5k Plogging, film screenings, and RUN JUNETEENTH events. We have multiple projects that we’ve been soliciting for donations / sponsorship opportunities, so if that interests you, please reach out.
The 4th Annual Earth Day 5k and Plogging is live and we are excited to continue supporting our friends at Earth Daughters. If you haven’t heard of Dr. Jessica Hernandez, you should! And the author of Fresh Banana Leaves and the new, Growing Papaya Trees! We have new merch as well. And we will be donating 50% of the profits to Earth Daughters from this campaign as well.
The 8th Annual Running For Justice 5k, 10k, Half Marathon is live and continuing on strong! This year, we are adding a new team / relay distance | 113 mile Prayer Relay Run for Emily Pike. Emily Pike was murdered and stolen from her family and this world, and her family is still fighting for justice. This 113 mile journey is the distance she was planning on traveling from Mesa, AZ to the San Carlos Apache Tribe to be with her family. We hope this run, symbolically finishes the journey she would’ve traveled as we continue to help elevate this crisis through movement.
2026 is year to take up space, hold the door open for each other, and move into these spaces together. A time for us to not be loud, but proud and confident in the heart work we do, and build relations with those who see us, hear us, and invest in community, meaningfully. If you’re someone that wants to be part of that or someone that works with a brand and wants to collaborate, please reach out! Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for updates, inspiring running reflections and highlights!
Please see below for updates and community. If there is anything you would like to promote please reach out.
NEXT AWARENESS + ACTION EVENTS:
+ April 20th: 4 Boston Marathon Runners - anyone running the Boston Marathon already, wants to run for Rising Hearts? Reach out. We can reimburse you your registration fee and offer a stipend and help us raise funds for the race!
+ April 19-26, 2026: 4th Annual Earth Day 5k and Plogging! | LIVE: https://events.elitefeats.com/26rhearthday
+ May 1-8th: 8th Annual Running For Justice 5k, 10k, Half Marathon | 113 Mile Relay Run for Emily Pike | LIVE: https://events.elitefeats.com/26justice.
+ June 20-30th: #LetThemRun Pride 5k | Link TBD
+ July 1-12: Disability Pride 5k | Link TBD
We are up to so much! Wopila tanka, many thanks, to all of you for your support, and we look forward to our hearts moving forward together.
- Rising Hearts
Urgent Community Support
Our very own Lex Saenz, Program Coordinator for Rising Hearts is calling on our RH community to support G’bari Gilliam!
Gbari Gilliam is a talented, kind, and passionate young man whose life changed suddenly after going into cardiac arrest on March 27 during rehearsal for an upcoming show on Sunday. Our family is asking for prayers, support, and financial help during this very difficult and unexpected time.
Gbari graduated from UCLA in 2016 and has built a beautiful career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor in Los Angeles. He has performed on Jimmy Kimmel and worked with Tyler Perry productions, using his gift and passion for dance to inspire others and bring joy to many lives. Gbari is known for his warm smile, strong spirit, and dedication to helping others grow through dance and creativity.
Right now, Gbari is in the hospital fighting for his life after suffering cardiac arrest. This has been devastating and overwhelming for our entire family. As he receives critical medical care and support in the ICU, medical expenses, hospital bills, and recovery costs are quickly increasing.
We are raising funds to help cover:
• Emergency medical care and hospital expenses
• ICU and treatment costs
• Rehabilitation and recovery support
• Living and support expenses during recovery
• Family travel and care support during this time
Gbari needs your help to raise $500,000 for Life Saving Heart Transplant. This is very serious and Costly. Every donation Helps. Please share.
Gbari has been diagnosed with a rare heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the situation is very serious. The medical team has informed the family that a heart transplant is now needed in order to save his life. Until a donor heart becomes available, he will need an artificial heart to sustain him, which will involve multiple procedures, extended hospital care, and a very costly transplant and recovery process.
“In the dance community we watch each other grow. I’ve danced with G’bari for jobs, at events and sessions, he’s always been so open, kind and loving regardless of anything else going on! The dance community is a small and we all get to witness each others highs and lows. One thing about our community is that we do come together! G’bari is a light in the community and we need all hands on deck to make sure he struts out that hospital ready to dance again! We love you G’bari! <3” - Lex
Community Events
Join us for a special event featuring a Hopi and Diné runner from the Village of Hotevilla. Hosava recently qualified for the 2028 Olympic Trials in the Marathon. Hear how his culture influenced his running, helped him persevere, and his next steps. As Hosava mentioned, "My running is not for myself, it is to represent my communities (Hopi and Diné), my family, my clan families, and village."
FREE COMMUNITY FUN RUN
April 19th 12pm-1pm
Get moving with our fun run event, open to runners and walkers alike, focusing on fun and fitness. Gascap area in Crow agency, Montana.
Miles for Soul is Soul Trak Outdoors flagship event that helps fund Soul Trak Outdoors amazing events that supports community wellness and youth access to outdoor experiences from canoeing, biking, climbing to skiing. Soul Trak Outdoors, Miles for Soul 5K Run/Walk is an annual event in the Washington, D.C. area, scheduled for May 9, 2026, at Anacostia Park. Options include an in-person 5K run/walk, a virtual challenge, and a celebration with music and food.
Key Details for 2026:
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Location: Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr SE, Washington, DC 20020
Purpose: Funding programs to connect communities of color to the outdoors and promoting outdoor equity.
Virtual Option: A virtual challenge option is available.
Registration: Tickets are available on RunSignup.Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/DC/MilesfortheSoul
Volunteer here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/DC/DC/MilesfortheSoul
Donate here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/DC/DC/MilesfortheSoul
UPCOMING RUNS
Join us for our 4th Annual Earth Day 5k and Plogging Challenge!
We have some fun incentive perks with an extra $50 donation - check out the website for those details (includes free running shoes, books and stickers).
When: April 19-26, 2026
Where: Virtual + In Person Locations To Be Added
Add the Indigenous lands to your bib!
Beneficiaries:
+ Earth Daughters
+ Rising Hearts
Merch:
We are here to celebrate and appreciate Unči Maka, Grandmother Earth. We are here to bring people together through movement, advocacy, and fundraising. Rising Hearts is hosting our 4th Annual Earth Day 5k and Plogging Challenge (to move, jog, while picking up trash).
Earth Daughters, is a beneficiary of this event. For this t-shirt campaign, we are donating 50% of profits made from the Earth Day shirts to Earth Daughters as well. So, wear the heart work! Show up for Mother Earth.
2026 EARTH DAY MERCH
NOTE: Merch purchased, will take about 2 weeks to print and ship!
RUNNING FOR JUSTICE
Join us for our 8th Annual Running For Justice 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, 113 Mile Prayer Relay for Emily Pike!
When: May 1 - 8, 2026
Where: Virtual + In Person Locations To Be Added
Add the Indigenous lands to your bib!
Beneficiaries:
+ National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
+ Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women
+ Justice for Emily Pike
+ Rising Hearts
Distances:
+ 5k
+ 10k
+ Half Marathon
+ 113 MILE Prayer Relay for Emily Pike (run the distance she was supposed to go from Mesa to San Carlos Apache Tribe | Do it with family, as a team, as community)
TEAM RISING HEARTS
Let’s celebrate these amazing humans, inspiring community runners, who are running the Boston Marathon! They have helped promote Rising Hearts and some of them have helped fundraise for the heart work we are grateful to keep doing. This year, Team Rising Hearts has 4 runners for the 130th Boston Marathon - Mel Devoney, Ashleigh Thompson, Caroline Sekaquaptewa, and Jordan Whetstone. This team has a fundraising goal of $7,000 for Rising Hearts to keep supporting the heart work.
We have a handful of runners who have helped fundraise for us! No matter large or small, that financial support has it’s place to be and support in the heart work we do!
CALL FOR RUNNERS: If you’re running the Boston Marathon and would like to join our team and help us raise funds, please reach out! info@rising-hearts.org
Activations at the Boston Marathon
Indigenous Runner's Panel:
Friday, April 17, 2026 12pm EST
Sacred Strides of Indigenous Running: Honoring the Past, Running for our Future
Panelists: Carissa Genelle, Kristen Wyman, Thawn Harris and Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone.
Moderator: Larry Spotted Crow Mann, Executive Director of the Ohketeau Cultural Center
Saturday April 18, 2026 (Tentative):
+ Team Shakeout Run
+ Cheer on the Wings of America Youth in the BAA 5k
+ BIB Pick Up
Indigenous Presence at the Boston Marathon
Indigenous Peoples from all over were able to hold space at the @bostonmarathon Expo for the Indigenous Runners Panel last year, moderated by Abby Burgess (Mi’kmaq), Ben Burgess (Mi’kmaq), Verna Volker (Diné) of Native Women Run, Larry Spotted Crow Mann (Nipmuc) of Ohketeau Cultural Center, Patti Dillon (Mi’kmaq), Wings of America Board and runner up at the Boston Marathon 1979-1981, and Jordan Whetstone (Lakota) of Rising Hearts!
Not only were they all able to share in their experiences of running and community, they were each able to speak to all or some parts of the heart work they all do. The history and legacy of Indigenous running and presence at the Boston Marathon, has been woven into the miles with the lands from start to finish.
Indigenous Legacy Runners:
Tom Longboat (Onondaga), Boston Marathon’s first Indigenous Champion in 1907 (runner up in 1901). Now, his great-grandson, Kristian Jamieson will be running in his footsteps on Marathon Monday!
Tarzan Brown (Narragansett), 2 time winner of the Boston Marathon in 1936 and 1939. He ran the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Heartbreak Hill was named because of Brown’s effort to break Kelley’s heart on the course to continue on to win the marathon!
Andrew Sockalexis (Penobscot), ran the marathon at the 1912 Sweden Olympics. Finished runner up in 1912-1913 at the Boston Marathon. - their legacy of Indigenous running and our presence at the Boston Marathon!
Patti Dillon (Mi’kmaq), we mentioned her before on the Panel. She has held the world record and American road records. She was considered one of the most dominating American female runners of the 1970’s. And runner up at the Boston Marathon 1979-1981! Going from never running and smoking, to dominating running, she has inspired many Indigenous runners! And continues to coach the next generations.
What an honor to share space with all these inspiring voices and looking forward to more programming with the BAA. Being able to have the space created for us, to bring our voices, prayers, song and a round dance, further shows the community we want to see and bring! We can’t wait for more in the years to come!
RUN REFLECTIONS
Xavier Hendrix | Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate + Charity Runner
One step closer to my dream. With Tokyo down, 3 more majors to go. It’s mind-blowing to visualize and dream of something for so long, and actually live it. I actually ran 26.2 miles through the streets of Tokyo! It was a tough experience, filled with many challenges and obstacles to reach the starting line. I admit, I had a war within and faced moments of doubt. I’m grateful to have a strong family and community to remind me that I can, have, and will continue to not only do hard things, but thrive. Next up: Berlin, six-star here I come.
Mel Devoney | Charity Bib Runner
It was so heartwarming to reunite with some of my Rising Hearts teammates in DC.
I feel so lucky & grateful that we visited the On store and left with some really generous gifts, and that we got to check out the National Museum of the American Indian. The best part was exploring the DC area together during the super-scenic race and for celebratory meals afterwards.
I'm proud of my race effort, too! I kept a faster-than-expected steady pace and pushed all-out at the end. It gives me confidence I need for Boston!
August Grell | Charity Bib Runner
After months of training, dieting, and obsessing, I finally made it! The San Juan half Ironman was easily one of the most beautiful and challenging races I've accomplished so far. The course through the open ocean, modern city, rainforest, and back to the historic center was gorgeous. Everything from the expo, to volunteers, bike rental and safety stations was very well organized and streamlined. Just finishing was a big step for me, but I was also happy with my time. Of course, sharing this with my friends and my Rising Hearts family on Taíno lands made it all the more special. A full Ironman is definitely in my future.
Caleigh Curley | Charity Bib Runner
Participating in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series has always brought me joy, and the DC Half Marathon was no exception. Looking back, this race felt less like a race and more like a celebration of community, culture, and the journey that running continues to take me on.
One of the biggest highlights was being with the Rising Hearts team. Seeing everyone again, making new memories, and building new friendships made the entire weekend unforgettable. It was especially meaningful to meet other Native runners who had traveled all the way to DC just to be there.
Before the race even began, we had one of those small, unexpected moments that end up meaning the most. We met a chei (grandpa in Navajo) at the start line, and it turned out he was the dad of one of my friends from undergrad. Later, my friend and I randomly saw each other again on the plane, and I even got to see the chei one more time. Moments like that made the whole trip feel full circle in the best way.
Overall, the weekend was filled with so much fun… catching up with friends, exploring DC, and being spoiled with new gear. But more than anything, it was a reminder of how special this community is. Rising Hearts continues to show up for us in ways that go beyond running, constantly supporting our dreams and our love for the sport.
Races like this remind me why I started running in the first place. It’s not just about times or goals but about the people, the connections, and the memories that stay with you long after the finish line.
‘26 Charity Runners | SoCal Ragnar Relay
What led to this team for Ragnar Relay?
The shared values of Good Day Run Club and Mohawk Wellness Collective are to foster a truly welcoming, accepting and uplifting community for athletes of all levels. When we signed up for the Ragnar relay, our goals were to 1) have the best girl's trip ever, and 2) demonstrate what our club stands for.
Why fundraise for Rising Hearts?
It was a no-brainer to partner with Rising Hearts, since it aligns with our values around physical, mental and social wellness. We are a diverse group of ladies that elevate and empower each other, and we want to do the same for the broader Rising Hearts community.
How excited are you about this opportunity?
So stoked! This is the first Ragnar relay for many of us, and our first race as a team. We can't wait to see how powerful we are together!
Running mantra?
"On good days and bad days, every day is a good day to run with your girls!"
Let’s cheer this team at the SoCal Ragnar Relay!
Race: SoCal Ragnar Relay | April
Fundraising goal: $2,000
Funds Raised: $1,180
RUN FOR RISING HEARTS
RUN WITH US!
Currently, we have 25 charity runner’s Rising Hearts with $4,586 raised of the $30,000 2026 goal! We have a SoCal Ragnar Relay team of 12, with 6 of those runner’s raising $2,000 for Rising Hearts! And 4 runners for the Rising Hearts Boston Marathon team raising $7,000!
In 2025, we had 37 runners dedicating their run / race to Rising Hearts! We met our goal of $36,000! And in 2024, we had 5 California International Marathon runners as well, with $2,500 raised!
All of this was possible because we made a new option available since we had a handful of runners reach out to us, asking how can they support us or fundraise for the heart work we do. So, we created the Rising Hearts Charity Runner’s Program, aside from our partnership with The Wander Project (where you select a race from them, with set fundraising limits, then we receive the funds at the end of the year), and through some of our bib entries we receive at the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, California International Marathon and Every Woman’s Marathon. So don’t miss your chance to run with Rising Hearts! We help reimburse your registration fees if needed, get you fuel, a singlet, and shoes. And, we have no penalties for not reaching your goal. we’re just grateful you chose us and are supporting us in this way. Thank you!
1.) We had TEAM RISING HEARTS at the Every Woman’s Marathon in Scottsdale, AZ - all 13 women crossed the finish line and raised $7,436 for Rising Hearts!
2.) Rising Hearts had 2 runners at the ‘25 New York City Marathon and raised $4,136.
3.) Rising Heart had 3 runners at The Marathon Project, December 21st in Chandler, AZ, where Hosava Kretzmann (Hopi/Diné) also qualified for the 2028 Marathon Olympic Trials! The 3 runners raised $3,840.
4.) Rising Hearts had 2 runners at the California International Marathon, where Blanca and Carlos raised $1,904, and we donated $700 to NorCal Resist on behalf of Blanca as well!
5.) And 24 runners who collectively raised $18,806 for Rising Hearts!
Reach out to us via email, info@rising-hearts.org. Share with us your plans, then we’ll set you up with the link!
Want to run for Rising Hearts?
This is more new for us! We have a givelively link specifically for runners/individuals, who want to raise funds for the heart work we do! If it’s not through our partnership with The Wander Project, or our other partners at CIM or Boston, you can run for Rising Hearts at any race you choose and bring more fun and purpose to your why and the run.
Perks: RH Singlet, merch, stickers, fuel, and if shoes are needed, we can help you! We are excited to learn from you and support you. We are here to amplify your efforts through our platforms and help you reach your goal! Email us at info@rising-hearts.org if you’re interested in dedicating a run and raising funds for Rising Hearts.
GOALS FOR 2026:
We hope to get 15 more Rising Hearts runners for 2026 and raise $30,000, collectively ! And we have 20 runners now, confirmed :)
Suggested fundraising limits:
RH Athletes / Community = $600
Open to Community = minimum $800
Perks: RH Singlet, merch, stickers, fuel, and if shoes are needed, we can help you!
PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO:
The Shakeout Podcast
It’s been common wisdom in endurance sports that the further the race distance gets, the longer it takes to figure it out.
But every rule needs an exception to prove it and on this count one needs look no further than the career of Molly Seidel.
After a gold-studded NCAA career at Notre Dame winning titles at 3000, 5000, 10000 and cross country, Seidel’s star only seemed to rise higher as the distances grew greater.
She made her marathon debut in 2020 at the US Olympic Trials, proving a quick-study at the event with a stunning 2nd placing showing and a spot on the US Olympic Team headed to Tokyo.
A year and a half later, at those pandemic-postponed Olympic Games, She’d once again outperform expectations to run away from the best of the best en route to a brilliant bronze medal.
Fast forward to today and it seems her reputation for moving up in distance and throwing down continues to hold true, even with yet another change of surface.
In January she marked the start of a new chapter on the trail scene with a win and course record clocking at the Banderas 50k in Texas. Weeks later, she would take another huge leap forward at the famously competitive Black Canyon 100k in Arizona.
Facing some of the best trail talent in the world, Seidel turned a lack of experience into gold, claiming a 4th-place finish and snagging an elusive “Golden Ticket”, securing her a place in the biggest ultra of them all, the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run.
Today, Molly joins the show to recap her incredible rise through the trail running ranks, what it’s looked like to double her race distance with every start, and how she’s applying the lessons of a legendary career on the roads and track to a the new challenges of the trails.
Check Molly out @bygolly.molly
Subscribe to The Shakeout Podcast feed on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts.
Thanks to this week's sponsor, CanPrev
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Cover Photo: Misty Wong