Hi Everyone,

As some of you know, I am planning to run the Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2022. As part of this adventure, I am running on behalf of a charitable organization. The charity I selected is the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), raising money for its mission. 

PCRF is an organization that provides expert medical care for children throughout the Middle East where facilities, equipment, and funds are all barriers to sufficient and timely care. They accomplish this mission through donations, medical missions (sending surgeons and other physicians directly into communities), treatment abroad (bringing children internationally for care), and sponsorship of new facilities. For those who do not know much about PCRF and wish to learn more – as I did when starting this process – here is to their page for more details: https://www.pcrf.net/about-us

This year, the funds raised by PCRF during the marathon will go towards the "Gaza Pediatric Mental Health Initiative” that was started in response to the 2014 war in which too many kids were exposed to violence and destruction. As I witness in my own trauma patients, these types of exposures have profound impacts, not only causing mental anguish and PTSD for the children, but also by causing systemic loss and anger that naturally leads to perpetual cycles of violence. I can’t think of a more necessary type of healing for which to run and support.

I truly appreciate your consideration in donating to my fundraiser and to this organization. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me (jschwarz755@gmail.com) if you want to know more details on why I chose to support PCRF or with any thoughts and questions you may have.

Thank you!

Jason