Swim, Bike, Run for Congo!

Dear Friends and Family
I am writing to ask for your help.

Almost no one knows (because the press rarely reports on it) that:

• More than 5 million people have died in DR Congo since 1998 as a result of what has been called "Africa's First World War".
• 45.5% of those deaths have occurred in children under the age of 5
• Women regularly endure savage gang rapes, torture and mutilation, forced cannibalism, being forced to watch family members brutally murdered, and are held as sex slaves by militia
• Women who survive have no means of supporting their surviving children, which accounts for the staggering death rate among small children.

An expert recently reported that conditions for women in DR Congo are the worst she has ever seen anywhere. Yet, there are very real, simple things we can do to save lives and help women to regain a foothold for life for themselves and their surviving children. Women for Women International, an award winning non-profit, operates a year long sponsorship program that provides these women:

• Direct cash aid
• Healing group work with other women who share similar experiences
• Training on how to operate a small business
• Literacy training
• Rights awareness training
• Seed money to start a business when they complete the program

I will be running my first triathlon on June 5th "My First Tri" consisting of a 1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3 mile run in support of Congolese Women. My goal is to increase awareness for the people of Congo and raise enough money to sponsor one woman for a year. I would love to have your support. It costs only $354 to support a woman in the Congo for an entire year. Your donation can make this possible. I am hoping to raise 25$/mile and there will be a total of 15 miles!

Please help me reach my goal of raising $375. Our simple efforts have a huge impact on the women and children in Congo. To a mother who has nothing, sponsorship provides a lifeline by providing her the means to support her children. Please pass on this blog to anyone and everyone you think might be interested.

Thank you for helping me to reach my personal goals and to make a difference.

Love,
Katie Tudini

Want to learn more about the Congo?
Run for Congo
The War
Children in the Congo
Women in the Congo
Oprah's: Postcards from the Edge
Falling Whistles


My Website: http://www.active.com/donate/runforcongowomen/KatieTudini