2026 Charity Runners Continued
We have some updates!
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!
2025 was an exciting year - every year gets better! However, it was our hardest year to exist in the run/outdoor/movement space. We fundraised enough to keep us going, fully operational in 2026. Sadly, with DEI being targeted, we lost access to funding and partnerships with those relations and connections being terminated in the beginning of 2025. Which led to us expanding the charity runner’s program and it became successful! It’s allowed us to spend some more time to apply for funding and do the research. And it’s helped to keep our Part Time Programs Coordinator role, going. So, THANK YOU!
This program became possible because a handful of runners reached 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!
Special Milestones:
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, including Nate Crail and Kylie Bemis, 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!
CURRENT CHARITY RUNNERS:
We are so excited for 2026 and can’t wait to support these runners! Let’s give it up for these humans! If you want to be part of this collective heart work through movement and community, we are calling for 11 more runners to fundraise for Rising Hearts! Now, we have 16 runners signed up, 2 Rising Hearts Teams at the Ragnar Relay and Boston Marathon, and 2 who have completed their fundraisers, with 9 starting their fundraisers later this summer and Fall!
- Rising Hearts
2026 Charity Bib Runners!
✨ It’s my birthday month 🎉 And this year, instead of gifts, I’m asking for something bigger. I’m turning 39… so I’m raising $390 — easy peasy 🫛 $10 for every year I’ve been alive. That’s only 39 people giving $10. Easy. Powerful. Collective. 💛
Every dollar will go to Rising Hearts, an Indigenous-led organization that has done so much for me and others! Now it’s my turn to give back. Help me give back, too. $10. That’s it. Let’s do this together. 🤍
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $390
Total Raised So Far: $104
Follow LACE on IG: @lacemarieruns
Hi Everyone!
I'm celebrating my birthday, which is 2/9, through 2/28, the whole month, by raising funds for Rising Hearts! My goal is $2,500.
I want to give back to Rising Hearts. It’s the opportunity to give back to all we do, and who we support. We have an incredible team of friends, sisters, community, and runners. Rising Hearts is bringing more and more incredible humans to the start line, events, stories, and platforms, and that’s the world we want to invest in to keep our communities healthy, thriving, diverse and reflective of us, so that we see ourselves in these spaces. Let’s keep creating community and seeing the faces and hearing the voices we want to see and learn from! Help me reach my goal for Rising Hearts of $2,500 by 2/28/26.
And to anyone that donates $100, you will receive an incentive (new RH shirt and more), as well as those who donate $250 (new RH shirt, coffee mug, and more). So I'll be following up via email to those who donate at an incentive level to get you your goodies!
Wopila tanka, many thanks for the support in keeping the heart work going!
- Jordan Marie Whetstone (Rising Hearts, E.D., and Founder; Filmmaker; Athlete Advocate)
Race/Run: DC Rock and Roll Half Marathon (March) Boston Marathon (April)
Goal: $2,500
Funds Raised So Far: $1,251
Hi, my name is Susie and I've been a runner for most of my life so far. I'm fundraising for Rising Hearts because I want to support the work that the Indigenous-led organization is doing, upfront and behind the scenes, to make the running space more welcoming and inclusive. Rising Hearts elevates diverse voices, creates opportunities for athletes and brings people together, which makes such a positive difference in this world. When I'm not running you can find me coaching, teaching yoga, being a mum and a partner, and working on creative projects.
Favorite post run fuel / snacks: Fruit, waffles and coffee (sometimes with GU protein recovery mixed in)!
How’s training going? Pretty well! I'm looking forward to a few more long, hilly trail runs in the beautiful Sonoran Desert where I'm lucky enough to live.
RACE: KAI 70K (April)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $750
Total Raised So Far: $232
Follow SUSIE on IG: @longrunergy and @longruncollective
I appreciate how Rising Hearts uses running as a tool to build community and amplify Indigenous voices. Organizations like Rising Hearts illustrate that while running is an individual effort, ultimately, it's a team sport and opportunity for each of us, no matter our skill level, to uplift and connect with those around us.
RACE: Bentonville Half Marathon (April)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $300
Total Raised So Far: $250
Follow SANDI on IG: @stretchwithsandi
I was part of the EWM team, and was able to experience the power of a group of women encouraging each other through miles. I want to share this with other runners and that is my main motivator to fundraise.
RACE: Boston Marathon (April)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $7,000 (collectively as a team)
Total Raised So Far: $95
Follow CAROLINE on IG: @_sekaquaptewa_
I’ve been a Rising Hearts supporter for a long time. I appreciate how the organization raises awareness and funding for important causes while building community.
RACE: Boston Marathon (April)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $7,000 (collectively as a team)
Total Raised So Far: $95
Follow ASHLEIGH on IG: @ashanishinaabe
MEL DEVONEY
One of the best decisions I made in 2025 was joining the Rising Hearts team and embarking on my ultramarathon career. I feel unbelievably lucky to continue running for a greater purpose with Rising Hearts in 2026. Every donation - even a symbolic $1 donation - empowers me to do that. Mil gracias amigos <3
CONGRATS TO MEL FOR REACHING HER GOAL AND COMPLETING THE Avalon 50k!
Mel is bringing together 12 women from Good Days Run Club / Mohawk Wellness Collective for the SoCal Ragnar (click and donate) on April 10th with a $2,000 goal as well (more to come in February)!
Mel is also coming back for the Boston Marathon with Rising Hearts in April with Ashleigh Thompson, Hosava Kretzmann, Caroline Sekaquaptewa, and Jordan Whetstone ($7,000 goal for that race)!
RACE: Boston Marathon (April)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $7,000 (collectively as a team)
Total Raised So Far: $95
Follow MEL on IG: @MELDEVONEY
I live in Southeast Oklahoma on the Choctaw Nation reservation and the Choctaw Nation offers the P.A.CE. program to associates who work for CNO and all tribal citizens. This program has helped me connect with local runners and races, so I can share the Rising Hearts mission with them. My goal for 2026 is to be healthy enough to complete the Dinosaur Valley 100 miler in November. I struggle with nutrition, especially during stressful times. It would be a big accomplishment to properly care for my body during this training cycle. I’ve been an athlete advocate since 2021 and it has changed my life. Knowing the impact Rising Hearts has had on my life, I want fundraise for them so that others get to experience it as well.
RACE: Midsouth Double (March)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1200
Total Raised So Far: $277
Follow KELSEY on IG: @longcommakelsey
This year I'm raising funds for this amazing organization that stands for many of the same things I whole heartedly believe in. I love the intersectionality between running and advocating. It's a beautiful thing to move our bodies with purpose. In hopes that we're creating a better world for everyone.
RACE: Wanderlust 13.1 (March)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,000
Total Raised So Far: $496
Follow SARA on IG: @sara_zzzz
Movement has been a huge part of my healing, physically, mentally, and emotionally and Rising Hearts creates space for Indigenous communities to experience that same connection through movement and culture. I respect that the RH work goes beyond sport and directly supports community-led initiatives, representation, and access. I don’t have children of my own, so part of the legacy I hope to leave behind is helping create and protect spaces like this, spaces where Indigenous people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Fundraising for Rising Hearts allows me to run with purpose, honor our peoples resilience, and help uplift Indigenous voices while supporting the next generation of Indigenous runners and leaders.
RACE: Crown King 50K (March)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $1,200
Total Raised So Far: $504
Follow LISA on IG: @runningnative
I’ve worked for Rising Hearts for 5 years and every year I've watched our runners reach their goals in running and their races. It's been so inspiring to witness! After watching all our runners cross the finish line at the Every Women's Marathon last year, I decided that 2026 was my year to commit, give it my all and run my first marathon. First, I have a few practice races to work my way up to the full marathon. I'm so excited for this opportunity and what this experience will do for my mental health and my life. Running is in my blood and a part of my culture. I'm excited to reconnect with running in this way and raise funds for an organization that I work for and believe in so much!
RACE: Running on Native Lands 10k (March)
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $2,000
Total Raised So Far: $434
Follow LEX on IG: @lexxsaenz
Team Rising Hearts at 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: $775
DONATE TO TEAM RISING HEARTS AT RAGNAR!
RUN REFLECTIONS
Alexis Saenz
As we all know, I started training for my first marathon. I plan to run 3 races before getting to the marathon. In february, we found out it moved from November 2026 to February 2027. I just about cried! I’m not a runner by any means, I dance and do pilates and running is a whole other beast. However, I decided to take this on because I wanted to commit to something and I thought it would be good for me. Boy, has it been HARD! I went from not running at all or past 1.5 miles to now running a 10k.
I can’t believe I made it to a 10k! My race was March 7th. I can’t believe that I ran 6.2 miles the weekend prior to that as well! This journey has already been crazy to me. I don’t think I was actually prepared for the emotional aspect of everything. I knew the physicality of it all was going to be difficult but the mental has been wild. I’m so proud of myself. I don’t know how I’ll make it 20 more miles for the Every Women’s Marathon but just as I’m shocked about making it 4 months of training and 6.2 miles later, I’m sure it will be a whole other ball game. My next race is a half marathon in June. Then another half marathon in Sept/Oct.
I’m so proud of myself and I can’t wait to keep passing these milestones even though it’s been difficult, we are building longevity mental capacity and stability, and THAT I am proud and excited for!
From Left to Right: Sergio, Colleen, Jennie!
COLLEEN COOLEY
It began with prayer.
It began with intention.
It began at the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains.
On January 18th (my birthday), I set out a goal to run/walk 25 miles on the Arizona Trail, the longest distance I would ever complete in one day. Before I began, I read a sign at the trailhead: "Welcome to Ce:wi Duag. The mountains you are standing in have been called by many names. While you might be more familiar with their Spanish and English name, the Santa Rita Mountains, older names tell stories of their cultural significance. Western Apache call them Dzil enzho (Beautiful Mountain) and Tohono O'odham know them as Ce:Wi Duag (Long Mountain). The Tohono O'odham have lived near Ce:wi Duag since immemorial, thus this is the oldest continuously used name for an important geographical landform and traditional cultural property."
With this in mind, I took in every breath of the cool, crisp morning air. I took in the beauty of the landscape, filled with cacti, ocotillo, Juniper, oak, and grass. I took in the beauty of the rising sun and the mountains to the north and south. I ran/walked with purpose, I ran/walked in appreciation for my body and its ability to move, I ran/walked in honor of all the Indigenous peoples that call this place home. My birthday run was truly about connecting with the land and going at my own pace. It was a celebration of the land, completing another year around the sun, and kicking of a fundraiser for Rising Hearts - which has been instrumental in my running journey and an inspiration to run/walk 25 miles. Thank you to my partner Kai for supporting me throughout the day, making sure I was fueled & hydrated, and joining me for a few miles. Thank you to my friends Sergio and Jennie for cheering me on, for the tips on fuel and hydration, and for the coconut water and plantain chips. And thank you to Sergio for joining me for the last 5 miles!
Lastly, HUGE thank you to all that donated to my birthday fundraiser! I was able to surpass my $1,500 goal and raise a little over $1,600, which will be helpful in continuing the heART work of Rising Hearts.
Lastly, lastly, thank you for Jordan and Lex for all that you both do and the inspiration and joy you both bring to this world.
Run with purpose
In 2025, we had 37 runners dedicating their run / race to Rising Hearts! We met our goal of $36,000! Here’s a chance to support our heart work through a different means - running!
We hope to find at least 37 runners for 2026!
2026 RACES ARE OPEN!
OPTION ONE: THE WANDER PROJECT
WANT TO RACE FOR RISING HEARTS OUTSIDE OF THESE WE HAVE SELECTED?
Not seeing a race you want to run in this list? Check out all of the Wander Project events and choose the “Your Choice” option. They will reach out to learn more about your charity of choice and once you let them know that you’ll be running for Rising Hearts, they will make sure your funds come to support our mission!”
Athletes who want to support Rising Hearts for a race that is not listed, can sign up for any of the events on The Wander Project calendar: https://www.wanderproject.org/event-partners/ and pick 'Your Choice' for charity and then fill out the form to indicate they want to support Rising Hearts: (FAQ page here: https://www.wanderproject.org/athletes/frequently-asked-questions/).
Reach out to us via email, info@rising-hearts.org. Share with us your plans, then we’ll set you up with the link!
OPTION TWO: RUN FOR RISING HEARTS!
Dedicate any race you have signed up for to Rising Hearts. If you want to register for one, we can reimburse your fee, if needed (pending fee and may need to be added to fundraising amount)! Donation page is through GiveLively where you can create you own account to fundraise. Through this new option, we had 37 runners dedicating their run / race to Rising Hearts for 2025, with $36,181 raised, meeting our goal! And rounding out 2024, we had 5 California International Marathon runners as well! There are no penalties for not reaching your goal!
Suggested minimum fundraising limits:
RH Athletes / Community = $600
Non RH Athletes / New Allies/Friends = minimum $800
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.