Due to COVID restrictions, Run4Yitzi did not happen in 2021. This year Run4Yitzi is making a huge comeback in honor of Yitzi’s 50th birthday and we are calling on you to be a part of it!
Run4Yitzi will be participating in a new race with new opportunities. Join the team at the Miami 305 Half Marathon & 5K on Sunday, March 6, 2022. There is 5k option (so that everyone could participate in the cause!) or a half-marathon option (for those who want to run- or WALK! – the extra challenge). Each runner will have a minimum of $1800 goal. There are runner recruitment bonuses and family team discounts.
Yitzi’s 50th birthday is a huge milestone that deserves special recognition and hakaras hatov. Run4Yitzi is determined to make that happen with a new goal that is higher than ever before. Run4Yitzi will be working diligently and joyfully to raise $250,000.00 for the Hurwitz Family Fund!
Brocha Lipkind has single-handedly started and organized the run since its inception in 2015. Brocha and Dina Hurwitz have been friends since childhood. When Yitzi was diagnosed, Brocha saw a need to help her friend and family; and from there Run4Yitzi was born. It has been going strong ever since.
“I saw what Dina was going through and didn’t want to sit by idly. I had never organized a marathon, let alone run in one, but I knew that something concrete was needed to help Dina and Yitzi. It was completely out of my comfort zone, but I was focused to make this happen,” said Brocha Lipkind. “Our first year we had four runners and raised $10,000. We were so proud and encouraged to continue. This year we have upped our goal to $250,000 and hope to have sixty runners on our team.”
When asked how she has accomplished so much she answered, “I see firsthand the difference that our Run makes in their lives. Besides the actual money that assists in the Hurwitz’s daily survival and living, seeing all the runners and supporters gives Yitzi and his family a huge boost to know they are not alone.”
The Run4Yitzi Marathon is the only fundraiser that supports the Hurwitz Family Fund, a fund that was put into place when Yitzi was diagnosed to give complete financial support to a fellow Shliach and yid. Mushi Fogelman, one of the administrators of the fund, explains to COLlive, “Run4Yitzi literally keeps the lights on, the family fed, and Yitzi properly cared for. I can’t stress that enough.”
Run4Yitzi has made it a point to keep overhead and expenses to a minimum; therefore, ensuring that all the money brought in by the runners and donors goes straight to the Hurwitz Family Fund. Unlike some other large organizations that run marathons and raise money to support different programs and events and have a huge budget, Run4Yitzi is focused on Yitzi. You can be confident that your funds are going directly to the Hurwitz’s.
As Dina Hurwitz so eloquently says, “This year the day before the marathon is Yitzi’s 50th birthday. As many of you know Yitzi was diagnosed with ALS on his 41st birthday and given a year and a half to live. For most of the 9 years Yitzi has written a beautiful Dvar Torah every week and we have all learned from and been very moved by his words. This last year and a half, he has been unable to write. His eyes have grown weaker, and it takes hours to even write a sentence. This year we get to run for Yitzi to remind him that he is still very much loved and although we don’t get to benefit from his words, we benefit greatly from him being with us. We are all still in this with him. Chassidim are all one family.”
“The weekend of the run is so energized,” explains Rivka Teich, who is part of the administrative team, “You’re in a room with “regular folks” who are doing something bigger than themselves. It’s pure positivity, joy, excitement, support, and most importantly fun! You’re not the same person afterwards.”
Running coaches have been set up in New York and Florida. They will be helping the runners prepare. Whether you’re a first-time runner or a seasoned marathoner, you’ll get the support and training you need to be prepared.
“It feels great to help such a worthwhile cause for somebody who can’t get out of bed, can’t run a marathon, can’t collect money for his family. I absolutely enjoy raising as much money as I can while also training to run a marathon – this will be my third year running. It feels awesome to collect money, I love doing it. At the same time, it’s so good to get out and run, move your body. There’s no other feeling than getting over the finish line and reaching your donation goal,” remarked Yosef Hellinger of Florida.
If you are ready to join and make a difference click here https://run4yitzi.com/signup. Donations can be made on the website: https://run4yitzi.com. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at run4yitzi@gmail.com.
You can also visit our Facebook and Instagram page. @Run4Yitzi.