Darryl and I have decided to do something BIG this fall! It just so happens that 2026 has been a year of milestones in our life: our 20th wedding anniversary, Darryl's 60th birthday, my 10th anniversary at Girls on the Run, and Lili's graduation from high school. We've celebrated all these accomplishments, and now we want to take some time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. This year also coincides with my sabbatical — giving us the time and space to experience something new!
We also want to use this opportunity to give back to the community that’s given our family so much! Girls on the Run Snohomish County is where I work, but it’s also where I found my people, my passion, my motivation, and my solace in these crazy and challenging times. Darryl has given time as a volunteer at GOTR activities and events many times. Lili is a program alumni, was a junior coach, and just recently coached summer camp. Lena started as a junior coach when she was in high school and went on to coach camp and a school team. It’s provided a way for all of us to connect with community.
For 14 days in October, Darryl and I will walk 260 kilometers (161 miles) along the Camino de Santiago from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. We have broken it into 14 stages of varying distances, from 14-26 kilometers each day. We’ve covered many miles in training for this big walk, passing by neighborhood schools where Girls on the Run is hosted. Darryl and I will complete this camino honor of the thousands of participants who’ve benefitted from the after school and summer camp programs, and the hundreds of incredible volunteer coaches who lead and mentor the teams. We will walk to raise money so more girls can experience GOTR’s impactful and empowering programs. We are asking for donations of any amount while we train these next few weeks and go on to complete the route. We can’t wait to share the journey and add the Camino de Santiago Portugues to this stellar year!
