Jody Lawrence

I want to run the Jerusalem Half Marathon in March 2024 to raise money for “Team Shalva." Shalva is a nonprofit organization that provides early intervention and inclusive education to children with special needs - regardless of religion or socioeconomic status. As a professional educator for more than 20 years, Shalva’s mission deeply resonates with me. Why Jerusalem? In May 2023, I visited Israel for the first time to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the sudden loss of my dad. The trip was healing in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and Jerusalem has become an incredibly meaningful place for me. My dad always prioritized education and I realize how lucky I was to have had so many opportunities; I know that not all children have access to these services. The chance to run on behalf of a charity that supports equity for all children, and in such a significant place, only adds to my determination to run the 13.1-mile race - just two days after what would've been my dad's 75th birthday. On behalf of the children and families at Shalva, thank you very much! With gratitude, Jody