Congratulations to our longtime friend Megan Blackstone Searfoss at Ridgefield Running Company on another amazing Run Like a Mother race this Mother’s Day! I’m so proud to have been the first sponsor of this empowering event sixteen years ago. Since its inception in our community, this race has become a powerhouse and a true symbol of empowering mothers to live their best lives. I was proud to attend this year’s event with my fellow Karla Murtaugh Homes team members, Sally Walter and Patty Hellrigel. We had outstanding weather and turnout!
Many of the participants run in loving memory of Ridgefield resident Noreen Papa, who lost her battle with colon cancer on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at the age of 47. It’s hard to believe, but 2023 marks a decade without this beautiful soul; a force for good.
An avid runner and Run Like a Mother (RLAM) enthusiast, just one month before she died, Noreen was at the Mother’s Day race cheering on runners from a golf cart! Proceeds from Run Like a Mother now go to benefit the Noreen L. Papa “Mothers: Live Your Life” Fund at the Ridgefield Library.
Contributions to this Fund support Library programs and collections dedicated to women’s health and wellness, specifically to educating mothers to take care of themselves so they can take care of others. Donations to the Fund may be dedicated to Noreen or made in honor or memory of another important woman in your life.
In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of empowering and supporting women cannot be overstated. Supporting women’s empowerment positively impacts their health and well-being. Access to quality healthcare, including reproductive and maternal health services, is crucial for women to lead healthy lives. Empowering women through education and awareness programs also helps reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Moreover, when women are educated and empowered to make informed decisions about their own bodies and lives, they can assert their rights, protect themselves from violence and abuse, and foster healthier relationships within their communities.
We love any opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women, especially moms. By doing so, we create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
